Lech skills help Poznan's EURO campaign
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
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KKS Lech Poznań media officer Joanna Dzios is pleased to have the chance to use her skills at UEFA EURO 2012, but insists that she – and the city – are learning plenty.
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UEFA EURO 2012 has benefited hugely from local talent in Poland and Ukraine, on and off the pitch, with KKS Lech Poznań's press officer Joanna Dzios pleased to have the opportunity to use her skills as a venue media manager at the Municipal Stadium Poznan.
During her time with Lech, she has gained plenty of experience of European football, joining the club on their 2010/11 UEFA Europa League adventures, when the club's now famous 'Do The Poznan' dance (in which fans turn their backs to the action, link arms and bounce up and down) went viral. She also had the chance to spend three years working with Poland coach Franciszek Smuda at the club.
"I have respect for coach Smuda because he is an honest and straightforward man," she told UEFA.com. "He was also the first coach I worked with so I still have my fingers crossed for him every time his side plays."
The arrival of UEFA EURO 2012 in Poznan has allowed her to put all her know-how to great use at the stadium, but she believes the tournament is also giving a lot back to the city. "This is a fantastic opportunity for Poznan, not just in terms of roads and construction work, but above all for the knowledge you gain by working at such a great event," Dzios explained. "We gain the know-how, which will pay dividends in the development of the city in the future. With the organisation of UEFA EURO 2012, the city is moving forward."
Her presence at the championship is further evidence that the football world is no longer a male-dominated environment, something which she feels UEFA's work is helping to promote. "UEFA attaches great importance to women's football and there are also a lot of women working in the football world," she said. "I am glad that this is changing so fast and I am convinced that things are going in the right direction.
"For me football is more than a job, and more than just 22 people playing on a pitch," Dzios added. "First of all, it is about people and powerful emotions. It's a show before it's a business, and I'd like to wish everyone an unforgettable time at UEFA EURO 2012."
