Polish Sport

The range of Polish sport and activities is not as wide in most Western Countries, this is probably due to the economic situation and the lower disposable financial income, however there are some items that are very popular, many of them have declined in the USA and Europe but are still very popular in Poland. Let me go through the major activities and interests.

Sports

The most popular spectator polish sport is Football (Soccer), without doubt. When an international match is on television then most city streets become quieter, at least regarding the male population. Unfortunately in the past few years some of the hooliganism experienced in Western Europe ten to fifteen years ago has been exported to Poland. However thankfully this is a small minority however vocal. The normal Polish man enjoys his football, normally viewed on television.

The Poles also love many other sports such as Ice Hockey, and whilst it does not attract the wealth of the USA and Canada it is similarly a very competitive game. Every city has a rink and local amateur teams. Access is very cheap and the support is very vocal.

Speedway, this is a sport which many of you may not have heard of but in Poland every city has a speedway track and competitive team. The sport involves special tuned motorcycles traveling around and oval track in one direction, usually four at a time, skidding along the cinder track and leaning precariously as they try to overtake their fellow competitors.

I often visit the speedway track in my home city, I am attracted by the bon ami and the hot soup as much as the motorcycles. Its a very nice safe atmosphere, although as most events take place in the winter it can be rather chilly.

The most popular polish sport, (if indeed it is a sport), is Fishing. Many men go fishing in their free time, it is inexpensive, available in most areas and can provide a tasty dinner. If people are lucky enough to live near to one of the major rivers, the Vistula or Odra, then they have plenty of possible locations. In places away from the rivers, flooded quarries, sandpits and even the smallest area of water will be normally used for fishing.

I have a very small area of water only 200 meters from my home, it measures around 20 by 40 meters, it was u8ntil a couple of years ago a very popular fishing place, for me it was a very nice place to relax and contemplate. There were Ducks, and plenty of fish, (so I was told). Unfortunately local DIY people and building companies started to use it as a refuse tip and it no longer is a pleasant place.

Gym's and Sports Clubs are not so frequent in Poland, they are growing very quickly but only really amongst the younger population. The vast majority of middle aged and older poles are quite trim and don't really see the need to go training. I believe the trimness is more to do with Genes rather than lifestyle. ( I am jealous), Although jogging is becoming more popular.

Handball and Volleyball is also a popular spectator sport in Poland and the national teams are of a high standard.