“Champions in Schools” – Building Self-Esteem

As part of the “Champions in Schools” project, President of the Polish Swimming Association and Olympic swimming champion Otylia Jędrzejczak organizes physical education classes aimed at girls in the final years of primary and secondary school. The classes are led by female champions from various disciplines to encourage girls to engage in physical activity. One of these unique PE lessons took place on Tuesday (June 3) at School Complex No. 7 named after the 16th Greater Poland Uhlan Regiment in Bydgoszcz. The event was supported by the regional self-government.

“World Health Organization studies show that girls in Poland have low self-esteem. I often see young students who are withdrawn. We’re showing them that each of them is unique and beautiful, and that endorphins improve their well-being,” said Otylia Jędrzejczak.

The swimmer invited four champions to Bydgoszcz Magdalena Fularczyk-Kozłowska, Olympic gold and bronze medalist in rowing from Rio de Janeiro and London, Daria Pikulik, Olympic silver medalist in track cycling from Paris, Julia Walczyk-Klimaszyk, European Games champion in Kraków and European Championships medalist in fencing and Adrianna Sułek-Schubert, world and European medalist in athletics (heptathlon).

“We believe that initiatives like this can inspire girls to take up sports. Physical activity improves mood and gives the confidence to make bold decisions that help achieve dreams. I’m happy to see such a great turnout at the classes,” emphasized Adrianna Sułek-Schubert, who’s resident of Bydgoszcz.

The “Champions in Schools” project is co-financed by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, and its Bydgoszcz edition is also supported by the City of Bydgoszcz.

Department of Sport and Tourism

& the Press Office of the Marshal’s Office

June 3, 2025