– These are only preliminary talks concerning the search for a partner for a joint project related to the possibility of training amateur hockey players in Jelenia Góra – Jerzy Łużniak, deputy mayor of Jelenia Góra, stipulates. – The fact is, however, that recent winters have been very unpredictable, while there is no shortage of ice-skating enthusiasts in Jelenia Góra, as demonstrated by the three “white Orliks” and the attendance we record there. At temperatures such as those seen over the past two years, the cost of maintaining such rinks in relation to their actual operating time is relatively high.
– The idea is this – Łużniak explains – both local governments, Trutnov and Jelenia Góra, would be partners in a project submitted to the Poland–Czechia fund. The ultimate beneficiaries of the funding would be two clubs: Trutnov’s HC and Jelenia Góra’s Karkonosze Sporty Zimowe. The Czechs are also interested in obtaining EU funds to develop their facilities and programmes; for us, it would mean starting this work.
Members of HC Trutnov are encouraging the residents of Jelenia Góra to cooperate, proposing the organisation of joint competitions, invitations for young people and coaches to attend training, discounts on equipment purchases (HC Trutnov receives many discounts as a club with league experience), invitations for young people to sports camps organised in the Czech Republic, and so on. The fact is that Trutnov will host international hockey competitions for the 12th time this year, with teams from European countries, Russia and Canada taking part. The Czechs want to invite Polish young people to participate in these competitions in the future, and immediately invite them to the stands to cheer on the teams. – We also have – it was said during the meeting – considerable experience in organising “hockey-related” events, including artistic shows; and since we are only 40 km apart, that distance is no obstacle to participation.
Officials from the Jelenia Góra club share this view and may be able to attend coaching courses in Trutnov at any time convenient for them. At present, we can travel to such courses in Katowice, approximately 350 km away, and in addition, those training sessions are organised according to a schedule that does not meet the needs of the Jelenia Góra club.
– I do not want to raise excessive hopes – says J. Łużniak – because the matter is currently only at the stage of intentions, but at the end of the year we will be able to submit applications for funding. In this area, funding may cover up to 85%. The Czechs have a vested interest in actively pursuing our joint project, so, considering the idea as a whole, I am optimistic. I would only temper the enthusiasm of those who believe everything can be done within a few months; nevertheless, I see the objective as entirely realistic.
Jelenia Góra City Hall/ii