They met in the arena in Gdynia to effort their hand in the "Veterinary Challenge". However, more than results in sports competitions were about integrating the environment and celebrating the memory of colleagues who died on abroad missions. This year's edition of the competition took place just before the Veteran Day celebration.
The "Veterinary Challenge" is simply a cyclical event organized by the Centre for Veteran Activities outside the State Borders. The thought of this initiative is integration through athletics and support of soldiers who served on missions. It is besides about drawing attention to their dedication and the challenges they face erstwhile they return from the mission. Both the military in active service and those who are already outside the ranks of the army participate in the veteran athletics challenge. They are accompanied by fans, families and guests: young uniforms, military representatives and public institutions. “Our goal is, among another things, to mobilise veterans to improve physical performance, make passion and interests related to sports and integrate veterans’ environment,” he says. Col. Dr. Katarzyna Radziewska, manager of the Veteran Centre.
This year the 4th edition of the Veteran Challenges was held in Gdynia on the eve of Veteran Day. 2 100 people competed at Rugby National Stadium and at the Naval Academy pool.
The players had a choice of respective disciplines: swimming on a 50-meter dorsal or classical style, Laser Run, a run combined with laser weapon shooting, Crossfit Challenge, a set of strength-resistance tasks (e.g. moving with tires, Kettlebell, burpees), a rugby throw at a distance, and pressing barbells and hall rowing. 1 player could participate in a maximum of 3 competitions.
Plut. Andrzej Kuciński, soldier of the 10th Armored Cavalry Brigade in Świętszów, who participated in the Veteran Challenge for the 4th time, decided to row for 1 and 4 minutes and crossfit. In this first competition he won 3rd place, in the second he stood on the highest podium. “These competitions let us not only to compete in athletics but besides integrate our environment,” admits the Petty Officer.
On the ergometer for 1 and 4 minutes, St. Chor. besides competed in St. Rafał Korzenewski. In these competitions he won in February 2025 at the competition Invictus Games in Canada bronze and silver medal. In Gdynia, he repeated that success. During 1 minute, he “flowed” 370 metres, which gave him first place, for 4 minutes was second. – athletics helps me in rehabilitation, I feel better both physically and mentally – he explains. The officer besides checked his forces in the crossfit. - It's a challenging competition, I wanted to see if I could. I took the first place – he adds.
Each player received a commemorative medal and shirt. The awards were presented, among others, by Colonel Rałędowska and representatives of the management of the MON and the Olympians from the Central Military Sports Team.
Shoot the gold medal
On Wednesday, there were besides shooting competitions, but only veterans who were already out of service could join them. – For me to participate in this competition is an chance to take arms again, as well as to meet colleagues – says Colonel Rez. Tomasz Zdziarski, Vice-President of the injured and injured Association in Missions Outside the Country Borders, presently a civilian army employee.
The players competed in 2 competitions: in shooting with a short weapon – a military weapon and a long weapon – a beryllium rifle. In the first competition, the prize was the BBN head cup, in the second – the national defence minister. From a distance of 25 meters, the best shot was with Sebastian Starostka, who scored 93 points (out of 100), the second was Krzysztof Muszyński, and the 3rd was Jacek Piontek (86 points).
The best in shooting a carbine from a distance of 100 meters was Dariusz Karpienko, who scored 95 points (out of 100), the second was Tomasz Zdziarski, who achieved a score worse by only 1 point, and the 3rd – Marcin Adamiec (92 points).
The "Veterinary Challenge" and shooting competitions for injured veterans were organised by the Centre for Veteran Activities Outside the State Borders in cooperation with the MON and military units.
Missions in Memory
May 29 is not only Veteran Day, but besides the global Day of Participants to the UN Peace Mission. On this occasion, the UN Peace Mission Commanders' Association invited to participate in the Warsaw technological conference "The essence and multifaceted nature of peacekeeping operations of the Polish Army in individual memories of veterans". 1 of the issues raised during the debate was the question of the reasons why most peacekeeping missions are not successful, i.e. there is no end to conflict and war. Participants mentioned, among others, the beginnings of the Polish Mission in the Supervisory Commission of Neutral States in Korea, operations in Lebanon, Syria and Afghanistan. Her book will be devoted to the conference.
