The Polish government is setting its sights on an ambitious goal: hosting the Olympic Games. Prime Minister Donald Tusk recently highlighted this aspiration, noting, “Life will show whether this is a realistic goal, but we will treat it seriously.” His comments came during a visit to an Orlik sports facility in Karczew, near Warsaw. Alongside the Minister of Sport and Tourism, Tusk also announced the expansion of the Orlik program and the continuation of the “Active School” initiative, both aimed at promoting physical activity among children and youth. Additionally, there is a growing focus on addressing challenges within professional sports in Poland, including financial transparency.
Orlik Sports Facilities: Building on Past Success
During a press conference in Karczew, where one of the first Orliks in Poland was built, Prime Minister Tusk and Minister of Sport and Tourism Sławomir Nitras shared details of the new initiatives by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism (MSiT). Tusk emphasized the importance of making the ideals of grand sports and the Olympic spirit accessible to the daily lives of young people, fostering motivation and building relationships through sports.
Orliks, which are multi-sport complexes, were initially constructed between 2008 and 2012 under the government’s “My Sports Field – Orlik 2012” program. This initiative marked a significant improvement in the conditions for physical activity across the country. Tusk, a co-author of the original Orlik idea, proudly noted that it remains one of the few initiatives widely praised.
In 2024, the government plans to allocate over PLN 207 million for the modernization of existing Orliks, which are now present in over 67% of Polish municipalities, with 2,604 complexes hosting a total of 5,208 sports fields. Many of these facilities now require upgrades, and the ministry has introduced a program to modernize and restore their full functionality. Minister Nitras confirmed that funds for the modernization of all Orliks will be secured within the next two years, with more than 90 new Orliks already funded. The ministry aims to build an additional 1,000 new facilities over the coming years, including in larger cities, with a budget of PLN 225 million for 2024.
Active School Program: Sports Beyond the Classroom
The “Active School” program is a government initiative designed to encourage children, youth, and even families to make use of school sports facilities outside of school hours. Sports halls, fields, and gyms are now available for community use during weekdays and weekends, with activities led by trained facilitators. This program, described by Minister Nitras as the largest public sports initiative ever undertaken by the Ministry of Sport, has ensured that over 3,000 sports facilities are now accessible to local communities.
The Ministry of Sport and Tourism fully covers the wages of those leading these activities, with the current hourly rate set at PLN 60, a significant increase from the previous year. This change has helped to retain the essential group of facilitators who are crucial for the success of the Orliks.
In addition to regular activities, the “Active School” program also hosts a nationwide football tournament for girls and boys, titled “From Orlik to the Stadium.”
A Potential Olympic Games in Poland?
During the press conference, Prime Minister Tusk revealed that efforts to bring the Olympic Games to Poland have been underway for several months. “There are a few things in our lives that unite everyone regardless of political views. I believe that the goal of hosting the Olympic flame in Warsaw could truly bring everyone together,” said Tusk. Minister Nitras assured that Poland is organizationally prepared to take on this project, which would not only be a sporting event but also a significant infrastructure and social initiative.
The Prime Minister mentioned that, based on preliminary decisions and declarations from the International Olympic Committee, the Olympics could be held in Poland as early as 2040 or 2044.
Improving Transparency and Accountability in Polish Sports
Prime Minister Tusk expressed gratitude to Minister Nitras for his efforts to improve the status of women in Polish sports. A new bill, set to be introduced in the coming weeks, will require that 30% of positions in sports governing bodies be held by women.
Other initiatives by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism aim to enhance transparency in sports funding and to introduce measures to prevent misconduct, such as abuse in coach-athlete relationships. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for transparency, especially given that sports funding comes from taxpayers. The issue became particularly apparent following the recent Olympic results of Polish athletes.
Minister Nitras highlighted that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) formally recommends that organizations like the Polish Olympic Committee (PKOl) ensure full transparency and public access to financial reports. He pointed out that even benefits like flights and accommodation should be disclosed.
The Ministry of Sport and Tourism will soon present the findings from its analysis of the information provided by cooperating sports associations. The government is committed to using all available tools to ensure that the public can see what has been happening in the sports sector and to identify necessary changes. Legislative measures will be introduced if needed to support this process, with all sports associations sharing a common interest in promoting transparency and accountability in their operations.
