The IV National Swimming Halliwick Gala Letswim in Poland, was held in Krakow on the 20th November. This year’s Polish national Gala organized by the Association of Swimming and Therapy in Water “Halliwick Polska” was one of the events included in the Erasmus + Let’s swim project co-financed by the European Union.
58 competitors from 14 cities from all over Poland came to the gala with their coaches and families. Almost 50 volunteers with enthusiasm, smile and commitment helped during the competition by taking on various roles. Among them were children and adolescents as well as students of the second year of physiotherapy of the Academy of Physical Education in Krakow coordinated by a lecturer from the Department of Water Sports. They served their help for swimmers, led water games in “chill out zone” in recreational small pool and acted as judges. All project partners from Croatia, Slovenia and Serbia came to the competition to learn, help and share their insights. About 160 people were involved in the entire competition as a sports venture that was inclusive and integrating various communities. Halliwick Gala is a day, which is the culmination of year-long effort of many people. Above all, it was an important day for all the competitors who have come to prove to themselves and their families they are able and can-do things that for others are still a big challenge.
Participation in the competition is a great motivation to take further effort and systematically attend training sessions which also has its health-promoting dimension. Competition in the spirit of Halliwick gives everyone an equal chance of victory, is above all barriers to direct its attention to the skills and abilities of each person. Everyone left tired but happy and smiling, with the intention of returning for another year at our next National Swimming Halliwick Gala.
Thank you to everyone for your commitment and effort to make this gala a success! Anna Olasińska , Chair of the Board of the Association “Halliwick Polska”