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Young Judo Star Honored for Commitment to Sport and Community Engagement
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A young athlete’s dedication to both athletic excellence and volunteer leadership has been recognized with a prestigious award. Maria Kamay, 18, a member of the Figeacoise Judo School, received a prize on December 5 for her work as a departmental sports commissioner, highlighting the vital role young people play in shaping the future of sports.
Did you know?-World Volunteer Day, december 5th, celebrates individuals who dedicate time and effort to causes they believe in, like Kamay’s work as a sports commissioner.
Recognizing Youth Volunteers on World Volunteer Day
The award was presented during the inaugural 2025 Challenge Awards, hosted by the departmental Committee of Youth, Sports and Community Engagement Medalists on World Volunteer Day. The event celebrated young individuals from the Lot region who demonstrate exceptional commitment to sports, specifically recognizing “Young referees, young presidents & community engagement.” Maria Kamay was among those honored, receiving her prize from Jean-Michel Inesta, president of the Olympic and Sports Committee.
Pro tip:-volunteering can provide valuable experience and networking opportunities, especially for young people exploring career paths, as seen with Kamay’s sports commissioner role.
From Angola to France: A Story of Resilience and Dedication
Kamay’s journey to this recognition is a testament to her resilience and dedication. Arriving in France in 2018 with her parents, three sisters, and brother after leaving Angola, she quickly integrated into the community of figeac. While her father found employment at Ratier and her mother in municipal services, Maria excelled in her studies, earning a general baccalaureate with honors before pursuing law and management at the university in Rodez.
“Initially, I wanted to be a lawyer,” Kamay explained, “but currently I’m hesitating between human relations and legal professions. I’m giving myself time to choose.”
Reader question:-How can newcomers integrate into a new community? Kamay’s story shows that excelling in academics and joining activities like judo can help.
Finding Passion in Judo and Volunteerism
Her path took an unexpected turn when her father encouraged her to try judo upon arriving in Figeac. A sport previously unknown to her, judo immediately captivated her. Now a black belt, Kamay continues to compete while together embracing the responsibilities of a sports commissioner.
“It’s like in sport,” she noted, “as soon as I arrived in Figeac, I was thinking of signing up for tennis or basketball, but my father suggested that I try judo.” This dual commitment provides a unique viewpoint,allowing her to analyze the sport from both a participant and administrative standpoint. She aspires to become a high-level referee, currently training at a club in Rodez whenever possible.
A Rising Leader Within the Figeacoise Judo School
Kamay’s involvement with the Figeacoise Judo School extends beyond her own training. For nearly eight years, she has actively contributed to the club’s vitality, initially assisting instructors with baby judo classes and supervising younger students. Two years ago, she joined the club’s administrative team, taking on the role of communications manager.
“Two years ago, I returned to the club office, and I am responsible for dialog,” Kamay stated.”Which led me to become even more involved in the structuring of associative life.”
Her interest in sports governance led her to discover the role of sports commissioner during her studies. Fully embracing the position, she dedicated herself to managing stopwatches and scoreboards, finding immense satisfaction in the work.
“I fully invested myself this season in the role of volunteer sports commissioner,” she affirmed. “I discovered the sports commissioner while taking my UV4, a role that I immediately appreciated.”
