The World Champions decorated by the President of Poland

On Monday, nine of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Poland 2014 gold medalists received state decorations from the hands of the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski. Coaches Stephane Antiga and Philippe Blain, as well as members of the national team’s coaching and medical staff, were also present among the honored.

On Monday, nine of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship Poland 2014 gold medalists received state decorations from the hands of the President of the Republic of Poland, Bronisław Komorowski. Coaches Stephane Antiga and Philippe Blain, as well as members of the national team’s coaching and medical staff, were also present among the honored. The ceremony was attended by the World Champions of 1974, whose memorable victory took place almost exactly 40 years ago, on October 28. The President presented them with signed copies of the album “25 years of free Poland”.

- On behalf of people of Poland, I want to thank you for the moments of excitement and pride. We are happy to be able to meet the World Champions from forty years ago – said Bronisław Komorowski. The president emphasized the special meaning of victories achieved in team sports.

In 2017 Poland will host the European Volleyball Championship. – We will welcome another great event in our country – said Mr. Komorowski. – It will be a chance not only to confirm the strong position of our volleyball but also good volleyball sportsmanship.

National team captain Michał Winiarski, who spoke on behalf of the 2014 gold medalists, noted that President ‘s presence at two of the World Championship games “clearly brought luck to the team”. President Komorowski had attended the opening match at the National Stadium, as well as the final game in Spodek hall in Katowice.

- We want to thank all our fans. They deserve a title of the champions of the galaxy – said Michał Winiarski. He also reminded that our previous World Champions, two years after their victory of 1974, went on to win the Olympic gold. I hope that we follow the steps of our older colleagues – said Winiarski. Together with coach Antiga and PVF President Mirosław Przedpełski, he presented Mr. Komorowski with World Championship gold medal.

President of the Polish Volleyball Federation, Mirosław Przedpełski addressed the Polish President, expressing his gratitude for the decorations and congratulations.

”For their extraordinary sport achievements and promoting Poland around the world”, Krzysztof Ignaczak, Michał Winiarski, Mariusz Wlazły and Paweł Zagumny received the Officer’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta, while Fabian Drzyzga, Karol Kłos, Mateusz Mika, Andrzej Wrona and Paweł Zatorski were decorated with the Gold Cross of Merit. Other members of the national team were not present in the White House.

Coach Antiga received the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland, while the assistant coach Blain was decorated with the Gold Cross of Merit. State decorations were also given to the officials of the Polish Volleyball Federation and national team staff.

On September 21 Polish volleyball players won their second FIVB World Championship. In the tournament’s final match, played in Katowice’s Spodek they beat Brazil 3:1. Poland waited 40 years the success of October 28, 1974 in Mexico.