INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

Starting tomorrow (March 20), the eyes of all fans of the “queen of sports” will be on the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Toruń. On the eve of the competition, an official welcome meeting was held with the participation of members of the World Athletics Council, representatives of the European Committee of the Regions, officials, athletes, and coaches. Today (March 19), Marshal Piotr Całbecki and the President of the Polish Athletic Association, Sebastian Chmara, also met with the Polish national athletics team, and a press conference took place featuring World Athletics President Sebastian Coe.

“Sport is more than competition—it is a school of character, humility, and perseverance. It is respect—for your opponent, for the rules, and for yourself. It is a language understood all over the world. It is also a powerful tool of cooperation and solidarity between nations, capable of uniting people beyond divisions—political, racial, and religious,” emphasized Marshal Piotr Całbecki during the meeting at CKK Jordanki. “Millions of fans around the world are waiting for these great emotions, extraordinary sporting stories, and perhaps also records that will go down in the history of world athletics. Let this be a good time for all of us—organizers, guests, athletes, and fans. A time we will remember with joy.”

During the evening ceremony, World Athletics President Sebastian Coe received a commemorative plaque from the host of the region, featuring a fragment of an athletics track—a symbol of the journey that the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region has consistently taken over the years in its efforts to host the World Championships. “This is not just a piece of sports infrastructure, but above all a sign of determination, cooperation, and years of preparation that have led us step by step to this prestigious event. Every centimeter of this track is a testament to the effort of athletes, organizers, and the entire regional community,” added Marshal Piotr Całbecki.

The artistic setting of the event was provided by Steve Nash, an artist associated with Toruń, an internationally renowned pianist and composer whose work blends classical music, electronics, and jazz with elements of turntablism, as well as pianist Nina Minor. The musicians presented their original project “Light and Sound,” combining music with spectacular light projections. The region’s folk character was also represented, with a performance by the Song and Dance Ensemble Ziemia Bydgoska. The concert was accompanied by an exhibition promoting the natural and tourist attractions of Kujawy and Pomerania.

Among the guests was Janusz Szewiński, husband and coach of Irena Szewińska.

The competitions at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Toruń will begin tomorrow (March 20) at 10:05 a.m. The first medals, in the women’s high jump, will be awarded during the opening session of the championships. Over three days, nearly 700 athletes from 120 national teams will compete.

Yesterday and today (March 18–19), meetings of the World Athletics Council were held in Toruń. This 26-member body consists of former champions of the “queen of sports,” record holders, medalists, and officials from all continents. Since 2015, it has been chaired by two-time Olympic champion Sebastian Coe.

At the invitation of Marshal Piotr Całbecki, members of the European Committee of the Regions also came to Toruń, including those serving on the Commission for Natural Resources (CoR NAT) and the Commission for Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research and Culture (CoR SEDEC). As part of their study visit (March 18–22), the program includes, among other things, a seminar on the impact of sport and tourism on public health and sustainable local development.

Beata Krzemińska
Press spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office

March 19, 2026