On Saturday, February 4, the 5th Memorial of Olek Ostrowski in alpine skiing, organized by GOPR, was held in honor of one of them - a rescuer from Wetlina, who remained forever in the mountains.

Rescuers from almost all GOPR groups in the country, as well as representatives of border guards, stood at the starting line. Aleksander Ostrowski was an extraordinary man. He combined his love for the mountains with his passion for sports. However, he always cared about others at the same time. This, among other reasons, is why he became a rescuer of the Bieszczady GOPR Group.

He received the prestigious "Colossus" award for his ski descent from the eight-thousand-foot Cho Oyu (he did it as the first Pole in 2014). The monthly magazine "National Geographic" recognized it as "Stunt of the Year." Unfortunately, a year later, on July 25, 2015, his summit attack on Gasherbrum II (8035m) failed. During the descent he was most likely carried away by an avalanche. The mountains took him with them forever.

The 20-kilometer route ran from the Hostel Pod Wysoką Połoniną in Wetlin through: Orłowicz Pass - Osadzki Wierch - Tourist Shelter of the Bieszczady National Park - Vysokhna Pass. 56 rescuers took part in the competition.

Photo: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 - W. Czado