Editor's Note: These are courtesy translations of local news provided by the U.S. Army Garrison Poland Public Affairs team for the benefit the military community stationed here. Views or opinions are not endorsed by USAG Poland or the U.S. Army.
Renowned athletic champion to compete in Toruń
"I always feel a special bond with Polish fans," Armand Duplantis emphasizes before his next visit to our country. The Swedish pole-vaulting phenomenon will be one of the biggest stars of the 26th Kujawy Pomorze World Indoor Athletics Championships.
One of the most important events in world athletics will begin on March 20 at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Toruń.
Poland will host the World Indoor Athletics Championships for the second time in history. In 2014, Sopot hosted the event, and after twelve years, the biggest stars of the "queen of sports" will descend on Kujawy and Pomerania. From March 20th to 22nd, the region will become the center of world athletics. Olympic champions, world record holders, and the world's top athletes will be at the starting line, guaranteeing top-level sporting excitement.
Among them will, of course, be Armand Duplantis. The Swedish star, one of the most recognizable figures in contemporary sport, is already counting down the days until the championships. Toruń holds a special place in his career. Although today he is a two-time Olympic champion and three-time world champion, in February 2020 he was just beginning his journey to his greatest successes. It was then, at the Copernicus Cup meeting, that he made athletics history for the first time when, in front of the Polish audience, he set his first world record, winning with a result of 6.17 meters. The jump and the spontaneous joy after the successful attempt will long be etched in the history of the Toruń arena.
Although the popular "Mondo" has broken the world record fourteen times in his career, he still emphasizes that his first record was the most special to him. "Toruń will always be a special place for me. It was there that I broke the world record for the first time, and you never forget moments like that," he recalls. "In Poland, I experienced something truly extraordinary. It was one of the most important moments of my career, and I have fantastic memories of it."
The Swede's memories of Poland aren't limited to Toruń, however. For several years now, he's been one of the biggest stars of the Kamila Skolimowska Memorial in Chorzów. During these competitions, Polish fans greet him like a world music star. During last year's edition, part of which took place in the market square in Katowice, the crowds of fans meant the pole vaulter had trouble covering just a few dozen meters.
"In Poland, you have excellent facilities and fantastic fans who create an incredible atmosphere during competitions. My first world record was set in Toruń, and that's where it all started. That's why this arena will always be special to me. I really enjoy competing in Poland and I hope I'll have many more opportunities like this," he says.
The 26-year-old pole vaulter is convinced of his immense popularity in our country every time he visits. The lines for autographs and photos are always long. "You can see that Poles truly love athletics. Every time I come here, I see it firsthand. Many people approach for a photo or signature, which is very pleasing to me. When I compete in Poland, I feel a special energy and closeness of the fans. This doesn't surprise me, because I know how great tradition athletics has in Poland and how strong your national team is, " he adds.
During his last visit to Poland in 2025, Duplantis joked with journalists that he had spotted a burger chain popular in Sweden in Poland and planned to go there for dinner. However, he admits that he also appreciates Polish cuisine. "Like most people, I really like pierogi. Every time I've been to Poland, I've also tried different kinds of your sausages, " he says with a smile. "They tasted really good. I don't remember all the names, but Polish sausages are excellent."
The men's pole vault final at the 2026 IAAF World Indoor Championships is scheduled for Saturday, March 21. The competition begins at 6:25 p.m. at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Toruń.
Bolesławiec library to host free Easter palm workshops
Free workshops at the Pedagogical Library in Bolesławiec.
The Pedagogical Library invites you to the "Easter Palms – Workshops Full of Tradition" event. During the event, you will learn about the history, traditions, and interesting facts surrounding Easter palms.
Each participant can make their own palm during the workshop.
The workshops are free, but space is limited. They will begin on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 4:00 PM. The meeting will be held at the Pedagogical Library in Bolesławiec, HW Tyrankiewiczów Street 11.
The organizers encourage you to contact them in advance by phone at 75 646 75 38 from Monday to Friday, 1:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Powidz Running League launches inaugural season
POWIDZKA RUNNING LEAGUE – 1ST EDITION
Three running events – one classification
This new running series, held for the first time in Powidz, combines sporting competition, a local atmosphere, and fun throughout the 2026 season!
Both young and old, residents of the Powidz Commune, and visitors alike, can participate. Children's races are organized in six categories.
It's worth participating in all the events in the series and winning a Powidz Running League medal! After each race (in March, May, and September), you'll have the opportunity to receive a puzzle piece and assemble the entire medal at the end. We encourage you to sign up and join the fun!
28/03/2026 – 3rd POWIDZ 5 km CHARITY RUN
30/05/2026 – 3rd KUSOCIŃSKI RUN – 5 km
19/09/2026 – 2nd OFF-ROAD RUN FOR THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY CUP OF POWIDZ – 3.5 km
START/FINISH: Powidz, Bilskiego Street – Łazienki Water Park
ONLINE REGISTRATION : dostartu.pl/SołectwoPowidz-or11449
Link to the Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1657723395474056/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
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