The morning of 24 February 2022 changed the face of Europe and the world. Russia attacked Ukraine and started a brutal war. On one side an invaded, independent country, on the other a brutal aggressor without any rules. From the first hours, Poland showed great solidarity with its Ukrainian friends. Aid provided to war refugees, political action on the international stage, humanitarian and military support – this is how we have helped, continue to help and will continue to help.
Among those defending the homeland were also Ukrainian athletes. Many of them competed in international events until recently, as did athletes from Poland. At the moment of trial, they rushed to the front or, by competing in sports arenas, show strength of spirit and bear witness that Ukraine shall never surrender.
At the moment of danger, they could count on the help of Polish colleagues, sports associations, clubs and ordinary good people. We offered accommodation and training opportunities, but above all the support of big-hearted people. Pressure from Poland helped to deprive Russia of prestigious sporting events and exclude Russian athletes from many international competitions. Our example was followed by other countries declaring that relations with Russia in the area of sport were not possible. Solidarity has proved to be of great importance.
Today, we strongly oppose the International Olympic Committee's initial proposal to allow Russian athletes to compete in the Olympics under certain conditions. We speak out against the bestiality of the aggressor and recall examples of Polish solidarity towards athletes from Ukraine. We show that their lives were destroyed as a consequence of a brutal, unjustified attack. And at the same time, we talk about the power of fair play and disagreement with breaking the rules.
This is why the ‘Marathon of Solidarity’ project was created. The President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, has assumed honorary patronage of the exhibition so entitled. We invite you to become acquainted with a collection of testimonies of Polish-Ukrainian brotherhood. We create this story together.
