In the second half of April, the Women's Floret planet Cup was to be held in Poznań. They were expected to take place, but they won't. Organizer of the event, the Polish Szermiercz Union withdrew from the organization of the incriminated event. It was about Russia, of course.
Heroic sports activists decided to make their contribution to the fight against a susceptible invader, threatening the existence of a large and spontaneous Ukraine. However, as sports unions do not concentrate in their ranks either heroes or philosophers, activists decided to do the right thing for themselves. Which is cowardly and stupid at the same time. So they first banned the Russians from participating in the tournament, and erstwhile it turned out they couldn't do it, they tried to force the players to sign “loyals”, as Putin does not support and are against the war at all.
Unfortunately, at this point, the global federation intervened by disrupting the chico of the Nadwislanian Titans of intellect. In a alternatively abroad announcement, Polish activists were informed that the rules of global competition are defined by the global federation, and if individual wants to change them creatively, they can at most organize a local competition for the GS store manager's cup. The end of the case is known. The competition in Poznań will not take place. Who else is gonna throw this organization and make money off it? Of course, the Polish Szermiercz Union is considered to be a "moral winner" in this case, which is debatable, as it is known that moral winners be only in literature. In the real world, it's vain to look for them.
Unfortunately this is not the only example of Polish confusion of concepts. Mrs. Iga Świętek, whose star has late shined powerfully on the sports company, feels the irresistible request to share the pearls of her thoughts with humanity. “A year ago after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, I had the chance to make specified a speech for the first time. I feel like we have a short memory, and we should all support the Ukrainians in everything they conflict with all day" – this is the first example of the logic and rhetoric of the WTA ranking leader. Besides, the sportswoman is not only a valued geostrategist, but besides a primary ethicalist. "Potapov's Anastasia should not publically show support for its country during the invasion of Ukraine – it has late thundered from the pedestal of its Christmas wisdom, criticizing the Russian tennis player for appearing in the football jersey of Spartacus Moscow club during the tournament at Indian Wells.
Moral strengthening even gave the legend of Polish sport, Adam Małysz. "We as PZN are very opposed to allowing Russians (to compete at the Olympic Games – ed.)", said Adam Małysz, erstwhile celebrated jumper, present president of the Polish Ski Union. “We are not isolated. We are in contact with another countries' ski federations, which are besides powerfully opposed. We say "no" to the Russians and Belarusians' launches," he added. However, it seems that PKOL did not convince. And it's hard to blame.
Firstly, PKOL is simply a global organization. And contrary to what we can hear in the Polish-language media, the “whole free world” unanimously supporting Ukraine and condemning Russia, are, in fact, respective countries frequently not crucial but only loud. The vast majority of the planet to the conflict in east Europe is highly indifferent.
Secondly, the war in Ukraine is undoubtedly unique from the point of view of Ukraine. Meanwhile, for Saudi Arabia, the war in Yemen is much more interesting. There are now respective bloody armed conflicts on our globe. Each of them carries destruction, death and suffering. Everyone is simply a tragedy and everyone should be grieved. However, this does not change the fact that global sports federations are not appointed and entitled to justice the parties to conflicts and to bring judgments.
Thirdly, excluding players from the countries afraid solely due to our antipathy (whether justified or not) to their governments is the application of collective responsibility. In turn it is in our civilisation and our legal culture that is not only unacceptable but besides rightly recognized as the highest manifestation of barbarisation. Therefore, unlike many Polish fans, I did not enjoy excluding Russian representation from last year's mundial. We can show superiority over the opponent only by defeating him in competition, without eliminating him by trickery at a "green table".
I urge this way to our talented athletes. And while as an enthusiast of free speech, I appreciate their taking advantage of this privilege, I respect equally the ability to refuse to enjoy it. After all, a wise adverb is not called a silver speech for nothing.
Przemysław Piasta
Think Poland, No. 17-18 (23-30.04.2023)
