Organized by the “Młodzi Demokraci” Association, the tournament took place on March 29 in the I LO sports hall. The aim of the tournament was to raise money for the further treatment of Antoś Kasperek. At 23 months of age, the boy developed a rare disease—metachromatic leukodystrophy (a halt, followed by regression, in psychomotor development), which is practically incurable in Poland. The only hope for Antoś is very expensive treatment abroad.
One dose of the medicine costs PLN 50,000. Antoś must take it regularly, once every two weeks. “We wanted to help a boy who still has his whole life ahead of him and who developed such a serious illness at such a young age,” said Przemysław Klarecki of SMD.
Eight teams took part in the tournament: the “Młodzi Demokraci” Association, the Federation of Young Social Democrats, the Fire Service, the Municipal Guard, “AMMA” Andrzej Udzielak, LZS Łaziska, TOP Bolesławiec and Hormann Legnica. TOP Bolesławiec won. The Bolesławiec Fire Service team finished second. LZS Łaziska came third. The firefighters donated their cup to an auction, with the proceeds going to support Antoś.
Is it difficult to organize such a tournament? “From a technical point of view, it is not particularly complicated,” said Wojciech Kasprzyk, head of the Bolesławiec SMD. “I think it is not a great effort. I encourage everyone to organize tournaments of this kind,” he added.
Preliminary estimates indicate that the organizers raised over PLN 3,500. The final amount will be known after payments from companies that did not take part in the games but transferred money to the foundation’s account have been counted.
“Today’s event is very moving for us,” said Remigiusz Kasperek, Antoś’s father. “All these people gathered here for our child. We have encountered tremendous kindness and questions about how Antoś is doing. And just as Antoś cheers at competitions, we have no doubt that all the participants are cheering for him in his fight against this terrible disease.” “Seeing people who are sweating so much to help Antek is truly moving, and I am very grateful for it,” added Mrs. Kamila, the boy’s mother.
Clinical tests have shown that Antoś’s condition is improving. The child is surprising his parents with how often he attempts to sit up independently. “The test results give us the strength to continue fighting for him and helping him recover,” emphasized Mr. Remigiusz.
The SMD initiative was supported by the District Office, MOSIR, PCK and Gromadka commune head Dariusz Pawliszczy. The tournament was officiated by professional football referees: Lech Pold and Łukasz Zaszczykowski. The award for the tournament’s top scorer went to Sebastian Jaśkiewicz (TOP Bolesławiec), while the award for best goalkeeper went to Jan Wojciechowski (TOP Bolesławiec). The author of the most spectacular goal was also awarded. It was Łukasz Musiał of the Fire Service.
The Association of Young Democrats sincerely thanks all people of goodwill for supporting this charity initiative. Those who care about Antoś’s fate can pay money into the foundation’s account:
“NA RATUNEK DZIECIOM Z CHOROBĄ NOWOTWOROWĄ”
ul. Świdnicka 53, 50-030 Wrocław
PKO IV O/Wrocław
21 1020 5242 0000 2802 0127 9512
Purpose: Antoni Kasperek
(SMD/GA information)