Under the motto "History speaks across generations", the 20th-century history of Poland and Poles was told in an accessible, interesting, and modern way. Over two days (4 and 5 October) in Jasionka near Rzeszów, the Congress brought together children and young people, educators, researchers, teachers, activists, veterans, re-enactment groups, and history enthusiasts in one place. The historical educational offer was presented in a completely new formula.
he IPN President Karol Nawrocki, Ph.D. participated in the discussion panel "Sport, Patriotism, History" held at the Subcarpathian Congress of National Remembrance. The debate featured prominent athletes from the Subcarpathian region: Iwona Nieroda-Zdziebko - multi-medalist who participated in the World, European and Polish kickboxing championships and Łukasz Różanski - world champion in boxing (WBC) in bridgerweight. It covered topics such as the relationship between patriotism and sports, the everyday dimensions of patriotism, what benefits come from playing sports, and how to educate through the history of sports and athletes.
When I listen to "Dąbrowski's Mazurka" for example, when I present decorations, I feel proud to serve the Republic of Poland. I couldn't be where I am today if I wasn't involved in sports, because it teaches humility. Sport shapes qualities that are important in social life, said the IPN President.
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There were many Polish athletes who during difficult times of war and occupation have shown valor and steadfastness. For instance Janusz Kusociński, undoubtedly one of the greatest stars of Polish sport in the interwar period was a patriot, an outstanding sportsman, and a great figure highly respected for his successes, experience and moral attitude. He was killed by the Germans in 1940. Halina Konopacka, another famous Polish athlete from the inter-war period helped her husband organize the evacuation of the reserves of gold from the Polish National Bank in Warsaw during the 1939 siege of the Polish capital. Teddy Pietrzykowski, one of the top Polish bantamweight boxers defended Warsaw in 1939 and became one of the first prisoners of KL Auschwitz. He was involved with the camp’s resistance movement working under Witold Pilecki and was boxing against the Germans and kapos for additional food rations. Another Polish boxer who fought for his life in Auschwitz was Antoni Czortek. The recent Polish history is full of such characters who can serve as role models.
Read more about the Subcarpathian Congress of National Remembrance