Winter Polonia Games open in Krynica
PR dla Zagranicy
Victoria Bieniek
26.02.2018 08:30
Some 550 athletes representing Polish diaspora and minority communities from 24 countries are taking part in the 13th Winter Polonia Games which opened on Sunday in Krynica, southern Poland.
Polish diaspora communities from around the world were represented at the opening ceremony of the Winter Polonia Games. Photo: PAP/Dominik Gajda.
They are set to compete for medals in Alpine and cross-country skiing, short track and long track speedskating and Nordic walking.
Lithuania has the largest contingent, with 50 athletes. There also sizeable groups from Belarus, the Czech Republic, the United States and Canada.
The programme of the Games includes many non-sporting events focusing on Polish history and culture.
President Andrzej Duda has assumed an honorary patronage of the Games.
Radio Poland is the event’s media patron.
The Winter Polonia Games end on 1 March.
Winter and summer games are held every two years in alternate years.
Participation is open to children as young as 12 and adults with Polish origin or background, but citizenship is not required.
The games were first held in 1934 and were suspended until 1997. (mk/vb)