It was an exciting day at Sport Arena (the venue next to Atlas Arena). The final event of “Athletics with Orlik,” organized by the Orły Sportu Foundation, has just come to a close. Nearly 240 students from grades 3–4 from all over Poland took part in a spectacular event that combined athletic competition with great fun.
Sixteen school teams took to the field, having traveled to Łódź to experience the atmosphere of a major sporting event. The young athletes, cheered on by loud fans in designated cheering zones, tested their skills in an athletics multi-event. The organizers ensured full integration—mixed-gender teams competed, which in practice promoted values such as equality and teamwork.
Today’s competition program was designed to develop a wide range of motor skills. The children competed in six events, including spectacular “kangaroo” races on jumping balls, hurdle races, target throws, and exciting mini-relays.
A team from the Polish Athletics Association (PZLA) was responsible for the professional organization of the events. The event was staged on a scale befitting world-class meets—complete with professional lighting, multimedia displays, and energetic music provided by a DJ—which added a unique flair to the competition.
A major highlight for the participants was the presence of ambassadors—distinguished representatives of Poland. The young athletes were supported by medalists from the World Championships, European Championships, and the Olympic Games, including:
- Maksymilian Szwed – European indoor silver medalist and Polish record holder in the 400-meter dash, representing the AZS Łódź club.
- Małgorzata Hołub-Kowalik – Olympic champion at the 2020 Tokyo Games in the 4×400-meter mixed relay.
- Anna Jesień – bronze medalist at the World Championships in the 400-meter hurdles and a four-time Olympian.
- Tomasz Majewski – two-time Olympic champion in the shot put.
- Monika Pyrek-Rokita – World and European silver medalist in the pole vault.
