That’s how the President of the World Armwrestling Federation, Assen Hadjitodorov, opened our competition in the Gdynia Sports and Show Arena. An opening worth a record event. The arena is impressive and I know from our guests that they feel comfortable here. Never in the history of our sport will competitors be fighting on such a big stage. First, the announcer, Andres Axlo, made sure everyone gave in to the competition mood. The artistic part of the opening ceremony exceeded my expectations. Instead of traditional shows or infamous Brazilian samba, the hosts displayed a short animated film about the history of Poland, directed by Tomasz Bagiński. I was sitting among our guests and I assure you that they really liked this synthesis of the history of our country.

Admittedly, I was hoping to learn that we, the Poles, used to promote armwrestling already in the twelfth century

President Aleksander Filimonow sitting next to me rated the sound system very high.

When representatives of each team appeared on stage in alphabetical order, everyone started to feel the atmosphere, that’s the best in our sport! The audience applauded heartily representatives of each country. Pride and friendship, waiting for the matches and excitement. That’s what we came here for.
Mayor of the host city, Wojciech Szczurek, wished athletes excitement, victory, although gold is only one, and a pleasant stay in Gdynia. So did the President of the WAF - clearly moved by the grand scale of the opening and the atmosphere in the arena.
Championship has started!

Photo: Mirosław Krawczak