“Healthy mind in a healthy body”- it was the motto of this year’s V Polonia Olympic Games in Upper Austria. For the fifth time, they took place in Linz – Rally and the Olympic Polonia. The organizer of this very useful event is the Community of Poles in Upper Austria with the main chairman: Julian Gaborek. The chairman is a master of organisation; every event organised by him is guaranteed to be a good time, as I have realised personally several times. At the last moment, the place of the Olympic Games was changed. The reason was the flood that, a few days earlier, made it impossible to hold the tournament. “Every cloud has a silver lining” – this is a way Community has already occupied a new place for VI Olympic Games next year. The pitch is really great, the turf is very neat and the owners of the sports centre have very positive attitude towards cooperation with the Polish community. The Polish audience greeted, amongst others: Senator Piotr Zientarski, Deputy Governor of Upper Austria Josef Ackerl; Dr.Johann Kalliauer – The president of Trade Unions and Dr. Franz Leidenmühler – Councillor of Linz.
In this year’s V Football Tournament for the Cup of Upper Austria, the team Orły won first place in Linz. Second place went to Munich SV Polonia and third place went to Spartakraab OVP Linz. The scorer was Ariel Solarczyk, the best goalkeeper Robert Głowacki – both from team-Orły Linz. Polonia Games is an opportunity to spend free time actively. The programme prepared for children and adults was very diverse. The competition took place in several disciplines, such as running with the ball between barbells, shooting a soccer ball into the goal (9 sectors), throwing of the ball bat, throw to the basket, running 100 metres for girls, running 100 metres for boys, family running 100m (mum + dad + boy or girl). The variety of sports competition allowed each child to find something suitable for them and provided a lot of joy from victory and medals.
For younger children, there were many attractions, games and fun. Especially enjoyed were sliding five meters on inflatable slides, “Hüpfburg Bouncer” and face painting in different colour patterns.
As the cultural part, there were presented the following teams: Kids Team “Oberek”, Song and Dance Team “Polonia” with Munich and Austrian folk group “Pramtaler” from Andorf.
At a barbecue, a cheerful atmosphere encouraged great fun for all generations: the oldest, older, younger and the youngest. Everybody was in a great mood, especially the soccer players. Although a few bands were missing (they did not arrived for various reasons) the tournament still took place. The game was played fairly, with no fouls or red cards. Participation in the competition provided players and fans a lot of fun. UFC RAAB team was in excellent moods.
In the afternoon Miss Polonia of Summer 2013 took place. The main prize was a week’s stay with a companion at the hotel “White Eagle” in Szczyrk, founded by its director Wojciech Kufel. Miss Polonia of the Summer 2013 became a very nice Slovakian girl.
Participants of Rally and Polonia Olympic Games and their accompanying persons had the opportunity to get to know the city of Linz which, in 2009, was the European Capital of Culture.