Kamil Pavlinsky, a former indoor volleyball player who earned both bachelor`s and master`s degrees from Greek universities, is now an active beach volleyball athlete. Beyond his athletic pursuits, he is notably a young man dedicated to social contribution. Pavlinsky recently participated in the Ios Futures tournament, where he secured one win and one loss during the qualifying rounds.
Following his matches on the island of Ios, he shared insights into a unique project that blends Beach Volleyball with Olympic values and aims for social impact. He also expressed his belief that Greece presents a great opportunity to adopt a similar initiative.
Interview with Kamil Pavlinsky
What are your initial impressions of the Ios tournament and its organization?
This is my first time visiting Greece. Even though I completed my master`s degree through a Greek university, my classes were all online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I found the event to be exceptionally well-organized. There are four courts, including practice areas, and everything is set up perfectly. The only challenge is the wind – we aren`t accustomed to it. However, apart from the wind, everything is ideal. We handle the heat well; temperatures in Slovakia sometimes reach 40 degrees Celsius. But the wind is a new factor for us.
Do you intend to compete in Greece again in the future?
Absolutely, it`s part of our plans. Greece isn`t just fantastic for Beach Volleyball; it`s also a wonderful destination for relaxing and enjoying life. We`ll remain in Ios until Saturday, then visit Santorini until Monday, and from there, we`ll travel to Czechia. Our primary goal at Ios was to qualify for the main draw. This was only our second tournament as a team. Our first was in Prague, where we also won our opening match but were eliminated in the second. These experiences are very beneficial for us, and we seek more opportunities like these.
You are only 29 years old but have already accomplished a great deal. One of your key initiatives merges Beach Volleyball with social impact, particularly focusing on children with limited opportunities. Could you elaborate on this?
I manage several projects designed to support underprivileged children, with Beach Volleyball serving as the central element. My research indicated that children most likely to be excluded from sports are those from orphanages or families lacking financial resources. The first camp took place in Slovakia – a five-day event allowing children to try out a variety of sports and discover what they enjoyed. Since moving to Prague, the project has continued there, with a specific focus on Beach Volleyball.
We integrate Olympic values such as respect and friendship while teaching fundamental skills of the sport, like serving and attacking. For some of these children, it was their very first time experiencing sand. It`s a truly fantastic experience for them. Our goal is to host two camps annually. Our next step is to establish year-round training to help these children stay actively involved in the sport.
What inspired you to initiate this work? Was it driven by a desire to give back to society?
Precisely. Sport has enriched my life immensely, and I felt compelled to contribute something in return. This led me to discover the IOC Young Leaders Programme, which proved to be a truly inspiring moment. I applied, was accepted, and decided to concentrate my efforts on Volleyball – specifically Beach Volleyball. I believed I had a valuable contribution to make, and I fully committed to it.
Do you think a similar project could be developed in Greece?
Absolutely. I have a strong affection for this country. After all, Greece is the historical birthplace of the Olympic Games. Launching a similar initiative here would be an excellent opportunity for the nation.