MARTA ZAWADZKA

“The passion for sport and organisational skills allowed me to work in an environment that suits me best.”

Meet Marta Zawadzka, a former ice hockey referee who became the Polish National Women’s Ice Hockey team General Manager. She became a Council Member for the Polish Ice Hockey Federation and then was elevated to the International Ice Hockey Federation Council in 2016.  

“I was brought up in family of ice hockey game officials, nevertheless I played basketball.”

“My father played a pivotal role in my career. He introduced me to ice hockey which has led me to this point today. The passion for sport and organisational skills allowed me to work in an environment that suits me best.”

“Unfortunately, as a woman, you need to try twice as hard, but everything is still possible if you believe. You need to have strong character and be tough in a patriarchal industry. Never give up, be wiser and a good observer.”

“In sport governance, sharing good practices is key to achieving more.

How those practices are implemented often depends on cultural context. Some countries or organisations adopt good governance quickly and publicly, while others prefer a quieter, more natural transition. Either way, progress is possible when we learn from one another.

Strong management skills, combined with interpersonal awareness, help build bridges and foster better governance.”

“We need women to help other women to believe in themselves.”