On February 2, 2024, a meeting was held with a basketball player from the USA, Stacey Thomas, the player of the «Stary Lutsk University» BC.
The event was also attended by: Rector Anatolii Tsos, the «Staryi Lutsk University» BC Head Coach Dmytro Chaikovskyi, a club player and a student of Lesya Ukrainka University Danylo Markiv, Dean of Faculty of Foreign Philology Larysa Makaruk, the lecturers and students of the faculty. The event was moderated by Andrii Moshkun, Head of Information Policy Office.
At the beginning, the fallen Heroes were honoured and the National Anthem of Ukraine was performed. Stacey Thomas told how he found himself in Ukraine and our club in particular. «Ukraine is a wonderful country with an interesting rich culture and good people. I like it here. I feel at home in Ukraine,» the basketball player shared his impressions.
He talked about his studies in the USA, compared the peculiarities of education in Ukraine and the States. During the conversation, the issues of war, basketball and leisure were naturally discussed. The students and lecturers asked many questions and actively participated in the conversation.
Danylo Markiv, a player of «Staryi Lutsk-University», a student of Faculty of Economics and Management, said that with the appearance of American Legionnaires Stacey Thomas and Marquis Jackson in the club, he often performs communicative functions, helps with translation. Danylo assured that Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University has a high level of teaching English. He also talked about himself, the peculiarities of studies and combination of higher education with professional sports.
«A very interesting meeting took place today. I am convinced that the fans of our basketball club will increase significantly. I am convinced that such communication is extremely valuable because it is communication with a native speaker,» said Rector Anatolii Tsos. He noted that the club works a lot to support the Armed Forces, promotes a healthy lifestyle.
Afterwards, Dmytro Chaikovskyi, Head Coach of «Staryi Lutsk-University», took the floor: «It is nice that such a meeting is taking place. Our focus is, of course, on war and victory, but we would really like young people to know our athletes, follow their performances and a healthy lifestyle. We want you to know that the University has a Super League team, a First League team, a student team.» He talked about the history of the club, its achievements, cooperation with Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University, in particular, with Rector Anatolii Tsos.
«The opportunities to communicate with native American speakers are rare now. I am glad you had a lot of questions. I want to thank the club and Stacey for this event. We are very glad that in such difficult times there are people like Stacey who are dauntless to be with us,» said Dean Larysa Makaruk.
All participants received souvenirs and signed the club flag to send to the front for the club photographer Mykola Lesyk. After the event, the students said that they liked this format of work. The collective photograph closed the venue.
Information Policy Office
