Zarys dziejów krynickiego sportu

Abstract

Beginnings of sport in Krynica are connected with gymnastics, cycling, swimming and tennis; disciplines that were organised for the summer spa clients there. An important role in promoting sports activities was played by the Gymnastic Society “Sokół” (“Hawk”), which came into being on June 30th, 1907. Winter sports started to develop only in the years 1923-4 when the first winter season was organised; on February 16-18th, 1924, Polish Ski Championship was held in the city. Krynica skiing became more attractive after the big ski jump on Krzyżowa had been built in 1924. In 1930, Krynica was granted the right to organise the World Hockey Championship, which was held on a natural ice-ring with artificial light. It was the first event of its kind in Poland. Krynica also organised big tobogganing competition thanks to a toboggan track built on Góra Parkowa in 1928. It was there where the European Championship was held in 1935. Krynica’s popularity rose after the Polish Automobile Championship started to be organised there since 1929. On December 28th, 1928 Krynica Hockey Society (KTH) was created which made the name for the city. 1950 was a festive year for Krynica as the KTH members won the Polish gold medal, one and only until the present day. Many Krynica hockey players represented Poland in world championships and Olympic Games. The main sportsmen and coaches were S. Csorich, J. Kurek and M. Kasprzycki. A prominent role in Polish sport was played by Krynica tobogganists whose greatest successes fall on 1958 at the World Championship in Krynica. Maria Semczyszak won the gold medal, Ryszard Pędrak in a team with Helena Lachedy won silver and bronze medals. Krynica was again the host of World Toboggan Championship in 1962.