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

On Saturday, March 21, Piotr Całbecki received the Heritage of Athletics Award for organizing the World Indoor Championships in Toruń and supporting the exhibition prepared by the Museum of World Athletics (MOWA). The award was presented by Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics. The same distinction was given to Krzysztof Wolsztyński. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to the history and development of the “queen of sports” worldwide. The ceremony took place at the Toruń Plaza shopping center.

“ I think we surprised the athletics world with how well a world championship can be organized collaboratively. This is a major sporting event for the entire region! It wouldn’t make sense without involving the local community. That effort was recognized by the global athletics officials, and that’s why we received this honor,” emphasized Piotr Całbecki.

Legends of athletics

During the ceremony, the Heritage Award in the Legend category was posthumously awarded to Olympic champion Janusz Kusociński, winner of the 10,000 meters in 1932. The commemorative plaque was received by Sebastian Chmara, president of the Polish Athletics Association.

“Janusz Kusociński was a great athlete and a global icon in running. Murdered during World War II, he became a national hero. One of Poland’s oldest athletics meetings, the Janusz Kusociński Memorial, held for 70 years, bears his name. We will always remember him,” said Chmara.

The only Polish woman previously honored with the Heritage Award was Irena Szewińska. A plaque dedicated to her is displayed on the façade of Stadion Zawiszy in Bydgoszcz, where she set a world record in the 400 meters in 1976.

Shoes, jerseys, and records

The MOWA exhibition features shoes worn for world records, jerseys from athletes of various countries, championship medals, and equipment. Since February 20, visitors could explore the exhibit at Toruń Plaza, which reveals the history and behind-the-scenes stories of athletics.

On March 21, the exhibition was enriched with new items donated by Piotr Całbecki: the official costume of the HNŚ mascot “Goosia,” a world championship medal, and the “50 Kujawy and Pomorze relays” baton, which had visited 50 towns in the region before the championships. The handover was attended by young athletes from the Municipal Athletics Club Toruń and Valerie Adams, four-time world champion in shot put.

Contributions from athletics legends

Six outstanding athletes further enriched the MOWA collection:

• Nelli Cooman – spikes from her 1986 world record in Madrid (60m)
• Daniel Komen – spikes from his 1998 world indoor 5000m record in Stockholm
• Noureddine Morceli – singlet from the World Championships in Tokyo
• Sebastian Chmara – outfit and diploma from the 1999 Maebashi World Championships
• Adam Kszczot – last singlet and shorts from the 2018 Birmingham World Indoor Championships
• Paweł Wojciechowski – protective pole grip sleeve from the 2011 Daegu World Championships

“I’m proud to contribute items linked to my first-ever gold medal in world indoor athletics, achieved in the previous century. MOWA ensures that key Polish sporting achievements are remembered,” said Chmara.

“It’s a very kind gesture by MOWA. I feel honored because not every athlete can donate their memorabilia to such a unique museum,” added Kszczot.

“I’m pleased that MOWA also recognized pole vault achievements, allowing me to be featured alongside legends like Serhiy Bubka, Renaud Lavillenie, and Armand Duplantis,” said Wojciechowski.

Additional donations

Athletes also honored museum curator Chris Turner with gifts. Antti Pihlakoski donated:

• Javelin shoes of Tero Pitkämäki
• Commemorative gold coin of Paavo Nurmi
• Official Finnish national team jersey

The exhibition at Toruń Plaza was open from February 20 and will remain available until the conclusion of the World Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26. It can still be visited today, March 22.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson for the Marshal’s Office

March 21, 2026