We are here together today to emphasize our community and to express respect for all our compatriots around the world, and there are more than 60 million of us. We stand out, among other things, because we are the only ones who use the beautiful term: Polonia, when we talk about our nation," said Sejm Speaker Marek Kuchcinski, opening the Winter Games in Krynica.

The Senate Speaker argued that events such as the World Polish Winter Games build bridges. - They are bridges between us and between Poles living all over the world; a community of 20 million people who feel a bond with Poland. The Sejm and the Senate are working to make this bond stronger and stronger," said Stanislaw Karczewski.

Athletes from more than 20 countries have come to Krynica to compete in eight sports: cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, ice hockey, Nordic walking, multi-skating, short track, snowboarding and a family tournament. The competition will run until March 2, 2018.

The World Polish Winter Games are financed by the Senate from funds allocated for the care of Polonia and Poles abroad. The organizer of the event is the "Polish Community" Association. The Olympics are under the honorary patronage of President Andrzej Duda.

Photo: Senate Office