The opening of the 2023/2024 school year at the School of the Cavaliers of the Order of the Smile in Rudzienko, located in the Otwock district, was more joyful than ever thanks to the inauguration of a multifunctional sports field renovated by the 4F Pomaga Foundation as part of the “Within Reach of Sport” program. It is the largest non-governmental initiative supporting the modernization of school infrastructure. More than 1,000 students already benefit from facilities renovated by the Foundation.
According to 2023 data from the Central Statistical Office (GUS), there are nearly 21,000 primary and secondary schools operating in Poland. Over 80% of them have access to sports fields, meaning that there are around 17,000 such facilities across the country.
The condition of school sports infrastructure varies greatly. Although the Ministry of Sport and Tourism has been running the “Sportowa Polska” program since 2020 with an annual budget of PLN 250 million, many students—especially in rural areas and small towns—still use outdated and poorly maintained sports facilities.
Modern and multifunctional sports fields for schools
This is why the 4F Pomaga Foundation created the “Within Reach of Sport” program in 2021 to modernize school sports fields in smaller towns. The initiative also encourages local communities to adopt healthy lifestyles and promotes physical activity among children and youth. The renovated fields are distinguished by their modern and multifunctional design. They feature a safe polypropylene surface that not only offers excellent shock absorption but is also recyclable and suitable for people using wheelchairs.
– A school sports field can inspire young people to be physically active, build healthy habits, and support the integration of local communities. It is here that sports talents should be nurtured, and future champions born. For a field to fulfill its role, it must offer comfortable and safe conditions for playing sports. However, there are still many schools that cannot afford modern sports infrastructure. The number of applications we receive for the program each year speaks volumes – says Michał Czechowicz from the 4F Pomaga Foundation.
Over the past three years, the foundation established by OTCF S.A., the owner of the largest Polish sports brand 4F, has modernized five school fields – in Siercza (Lesser Poland Voivodeship), Kuniów (Opole Voivodeship), Sychowo (Pomeranian Voivodeship), and Moszczanka (Mazovian Voivodeship). At the beginning of September, 135 students from the school in Rudzienko began using the new multifunctional field. – I found out about the “Within Reach of Sport” program in 2023. I was searching for projects that could help our school grow. A post about the 4F Pomaga Foundation and the opening of a field at one of the winning schools appeared on social media. I read the regulations and realized it was our chance. I presented the project to the school principal, who supported the idea, and I submitted the application – says Justyna Czekirda, teacher at the School of the Cavaliers of the Order of the Smile in Rudzienko.
Until now, physical education classes were held on a field built by the school on its own. The lack of professional conditions for sports was a challenge for students who especially enjoy playing basketball, volleyball, and, of course, football. Table tennis is also very popular in Rudzienko.
– Unfortunately, we do not have a full-sized gymnasium to train team sports. Thanks to the 4F Pomaga Foundation, we now have a facility that allows students—and not only them—to pursue their sports passions. The school grounds are open to the public, and we hope the newly built facility will serve the entire local community – emphasizes Justyna Czekirda.
Time for a new beginning
On Monday, September 2 at 11:00 a.m., the first school bell rang in Rudzienko, symbolically marking the beginning of the new school year and the operation of the renovated sports field. The official opening was attended by representatives of the 4F Pomaga Foundation, the OTCF S.A. board, school management, local authorities, as well as top Polish athletes and 4F brand ambassadors.
Among those present were: track and field athlete Martyna Kotwiła, Polish 200m champion and U-20 World Championships bronze medalist; short track speed skater Natalia Maliszewska, European Champion and World Vice-Champion; and members of Poland’s Amp Football team led by long-time captain Przemysław Świercz. Volleyball players from PlusLiga team Projekt Warszawa and freestyle basketball world champion and Harlem Globetrotters player Paweł Kidoń also announced their attendance.
The event took the form of a school sports day. Children participated in several sports competitions, learning from their idols. Natalia Maliszewska led a warm-up with all the students from the elementary school. Marcin Oleksy conducted shooting drills, showing the children what it’s like to play on crutches and with one leg. He is a Polish Amp Football player and winner of the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award for the most beautiful goal of 2022, beating the likes of Kylian Mbappe.
Volleyball players from Projekt Warszawa – bronze medalists of the 2023/24 PlusLiga season – also came to Rudzienko. Players Jędrzej Gruszczyński, Jurij Semeniuk, and Karol Borkowski conducted a beach volleyball lesson with the children. Meanwhile, Paweł Kidoń taught them how to throw the basketball in style, and the track and field athletes organized timed races. There was also plenty of time for group photos and autographs.
The event's media partner was Wirtualna Polska.
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