A dozen or so players and representatives of Jastrzębski Węgiel's training team had the opportunity to learn about coal mining technology and the specifics of underground miners' work. After collecting lamps and self-contained self-rescue devices, the athletes and trainers descended the shaft to the 838-meter level. From there, they took the underground railroad to the mine’s “F” area, and continued down the ramp to the 950-meter level, directly to the development section. There, the volleyball players learned about the excavation process, and then made their way to the mining longwall. They returned to the surface after several hours.
Jastrzębski Węgiel players were very impressed by the trip down the mine.
- This morning was a challenging but meaningful experience. It showed us how hard the miners' work is. Also for us as a team, this is a lesson of sorts. We, for our part, can declare that we will do everything to achieve success for the Club - said Benjamin Toniutti, Jastrzębski Węgiel’s captain.
He was echoed by Rafal Szymura, who comes from a mining family:
- I am glad that I had the opportunity to go down the mine and see how everything works. Now I appreciate how hard this work is and how much sacrifice and heart people have to put into it. I never believed my father or my cousins that it is so hard underground, and indeed it is a piece of hard work - stressed Szymura, who comes from Rybnik and is Jastrzębski Węgiel's outside hitter. He added: - We are grateful to the miners, because they are actually doing it for us. If they didn't mine coal, we wouldn't have jobs. So, for my part, I have great respect for the people who work underground. I think such a “trip” would be useful for every person to appreciate how important the miners’ work is for Silesia.
After the visit to the mine, the players and the coaches met with the authorities of the company and the Borynia-Zofiówka mine.
- I am glad that the players took advantage of this opportunity and saw how miners work. For many of you, this visit has probably broadened your perspectives. I can see that you are satisfied after the trip. Today have some rest, and in the context of the whole season, I wish you a lot of success in sports, because we strongly count on you - stressed Lukasz Szlazak, director of the Borynia-Zofiówka mine.
JSW S.A. has been a strategic sponsor of Jastrzębski Węgiel since 2005.
