Wow...who would have thought that canoeing could bring so much excitement!

We were delighted that, thanks to the Herts Sports Partnership, 50 children and parents from the Polish Saturday School in Welwyn Garden City had an opportunity to watch the World Championship in canoeing at a very special Olympic site, White Water Centre.

What a phenomenal experience! During our visit, we had time to enjoy the venue, meet some inspiring sportsmen and sportswomen.

More importantly, we simply had an opportunity to spend a bit of time together, build strong bonds between our members, discuss new ideas for future projects, which will enhance our activism and promote a positive image of the Polish community abroad.   

John D O`Callaghan, Partnership Director said: "The Polish Saturday School does some fantastic work in using sport and physical activity as a vehicle for integration and addressing inequality and it has been a real pleasure to work with Michal and colleagues in support of this.

"As the official Social Impact Partner to the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships - a Paris 2024 qualifying event held recently at the fantastic White-Water Centre in Waltham Cross - the Herts Sport & Physical Activity Partnership (HSP) was delighted to be able to arrange a visit to the event by the school's pupils and their families. 

"We have a saying at HSP that ability without opportunity is nothing - and who knows, this opportunity might see some of those young people that attended take up the sport and become the elite performers of the future!" 

Anna Skiba, Trustee of the Polish Saturday School added: "We are so grateful to HSP for the opportunity to enjoy the canoe slalom championship at White Water Centre.

"It has been a day full of fun, companionship and an amazing sports experience. My eight-year-old daughter, after watching the event, asked me if we could come back to the White Water Centre so she could have a go at it herself.

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"Very inspirational day for our younger generation and I am very happy that I could help to organise today's trip." 

Michal Siewniak, Liberal Democrat Cllr for Handside, concluded: "We absolutely loved every single moment of our trip.

"We are so lucky to have such a wonderful venue on our doorstep and we were delighted that our fruitful cooperation with HSP enabled us to experience something so special.

"What was the highlight? We met Klaudia Zwolinska, Polish Olympian, who won a bronze medal for Poland over the weekend.

"An amazing, approachable athlete who was able to relate so easily to the vociferous supporters from the Polish Saturday School.  

"This trip will stay in our memories for a long time and we are already planning the next surprises!"