?ukasz Szeliga: The Olympic Motto "Higher, Faster, Stronger" Is a Constant Source of Inspiration

Can you highlight the past successes of the Polish Paralympic team?

The Polish Paralympic movement has seen great success, as evidenced by our athletes competing in the same venues and villages as the Olympic Games. Since our first participation in the Paralympic Games in Heidelberg in 1972, our athletes have won 799 medals. A key achievement is the change in social awareness; today, seeing an active person with a disability is widely accepted, unlike in the past. The "WeThe15" campaign is another major success, raising global awareness about people with disabilities.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

I'm proud of my career as an alpine skier, competing in the Winter Paralympic Games three times: in Nagano in 1998, Salt Lake City in 2002, and Turin in 2006. I also had the honor of serving as the national team coach for alpine skiing, participating in the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Games. A particularly memorable moment was during the 2018 Winter Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, where I served as the President of the Polish Paralympic Committee and saw my former athlete, Igor Sikorski, win a medal in the giant slalom. It was an unforgettable experience.

How are you preparing for the upcoming Paralympics in Paris?

Our coaches are diligently executing training plans, organizing numerous training camps, and participating in qualifying events. Unfortunately, some key athletes are facing significant health issues that could impact their chances. With less than 100 days until the Paris Games, we're focused on addressing these challenges.

What values of sport and Olympism inspire you daily?

The motto "Higher, faster, stronger" continuously inspires me. It embodies the importance of relentless improvement and effort in sports. Additionally, fair play is a crucial value, as it simplifies and enhances many aspects of life.

How do partnerships and donations contribute to the success of the Polish Paralympic team, and how can people best support the work of the Polish Paralympic Committee?

The PKPar Foundation plays a vital role by accepting donations and grants, which fund sports camps and help athletes prepare for competitions and the Paralympic Games. We also benefit from the support of sponsors and partners and welcome various forms of collaboration. People can support individual athletes, specific sports, sports clubs, or events we organize.

What were your impressions of the Superbet Rapid and Blitz Tournament in Warsaw? Can the tactics used in chess be useful in Paralympic sports?

Chess is a deeply strategic game, offering valuable lessons in strategy that can be applied to many areas of life. Watching top chess players at the Polin event was inspiring. It also reminded me that I have much to learn, as I'm not very skilled at chess.