An exceptional competition under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Family
“Women with Passion” is a nationwide initiative whose aim is to recognize active women who are socially engaged and break down barriers. The competition was placed under the honorary patronage of the Minister of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Agnieszka Dziemianowicz-Bąk, while the event’s partner is the Ministry of Sport and Tourism.
In 2026, the Lower Silesian provincial jury consisted of: Ariel Fecyk (Twoje Nowe Możliwości Association), Katarzyna Grzelczyk (Bolesławiec County Office), Grażyna Hanaf (journalist at Istotne.pl), Jolanta Kurek (Polish Organization of Employers of Persons with Disabilities), Magdalena Sobko (Active Rehabilitation Foundation) and Iwona Januszke (FAR).
It was this jury that decided that, among the Lower Silesian candidates in the sports category, Sonia Turzyniecka deserved to represent the region at the national gala.
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Jury’s choices: science, social activity and business
In the science category, the award went to Aleksandra Tądel for outstanding scientific achievements and the consistent development of research activity at the intersection of architecture, new technologies and sustainable development. Her extensive publication record, including numerous scientific articles and active participation in research projects, deserves recognition. As a member of an interdisciplinary research team, Aleksandra Tądel is co-creating an innovative platform using digital twin technology to analyze, design and transform existing spaces, contributing to the development of modern research and design methods. The jury also recognized her commitment to developing international cooperation, active involvement in academic clubs and contribution to innovative projects, including co-developing an emergency shelter.
In the social activity category, the award went to Karolina Żurawska for outstanding scientific and social activity and consistent efforts to promote equality, accessibility and social inclusion. As a specialist in scientometrics, she conducts quantitative analyses of scientific output and actively promotes modern communication standards in the academic community, contributing to the development of research quality and scientific cooperation. Her work as Accessibility Leader at Wrocław University of Science and Technology deserves particular recognition. The jury also recognized her delivery of original equality workshops on the communication needs of people who are hard of hearing or deaf, psychoeducational workshops and training in the basics of Polish Sign Language for Accessibility Leaders.
In the business category, the award went to Agata Roczniak for exceptional achievements in business, leadership and establishing standards for a modern, socially responsible organization. As an expert in Diversity & Inclusion, she consistently demonstrates that diversity is not only a social value but also real development potential for modern business. A graduate of finance and banking, as well as philosophy and psychology, Agata Roczniak combines business expertise with tremendous social commitment, showing that responsible business can genuinely change people’s lives. As an expert on including people with disabilities in the banking sector and President of the Diversum Foundation, she works to increase organizational awareness, support people with disabilities and promote the ideas of Diversity & Inclusion. She organizes webinars, talks and educational activities that help break down barriers and build a more open working and social environment.
Sport as a path to strength, health and excellence
Sonia Turzyniecka trains in para-boxing at the Gladiator club on a daily basis; her new passion, she has for years been one of Bolesławiec’s most recognizable athletes. After suffering a serious musculoskeletal injury in 1998, she began training, which became not only a form of rehabilitation but also a path to international success. In armwrestling, she has achieved almost everything: four European championship titles (2022), three world championship titles (2022), a world championship silver medal (2022), a World Cup, numerous medals in para-armwrestling, Masters and Grand Masters categories, as well as multiple Polish championships. In 2024, she made her debut in the bench press, winning a World Cup gold medal, and in 2026 she won gold and silver at the GPC Polish Championships.
Recognized for her results, attitude and social activity
Sonia Turzyniecka has twice received the Mayor of Bolesławiec’s Award for promoting the city. In 2025, she was honored by Deputy Minister of Sport Piotr Borys for outstanding achievements and a fair-play attitude.
In 2026, she began cooperating with KS Gladiator, becoming an ambassador for boxing for people with disabilities—a discipline that is only beginning to establish its position in Poland.
Sonia Turzyniecka’s selection among the “Women with Passion” is not only recognition of her impressive sporting results, but also an acknowledgment of her determination, strength of character and work for people with disabilities. For years, the Bolesławiec native has inspired others, showing that limitations can be overcome through hard work, perseverance and passion.
The national gala in Bydgoszcz will be an opportunity for her story to reach an even wider audience—as an example of courage, consistency and an unwavering pursuit of one’s goal.
Special jury distinction
The jury recognized Bolesława Jońca for her distinguished work for the community of people with disabilities in the city of Jelenia Góra, as well as for her sporting achievements and many years of dedicated social and educational work for seniors and people with disabilities.
The jury particularly appreciated her activity within the Karkonosze Senior Club and the Karkonosze Council of People with Disabilities, where her work supports the integration, activation and development of the local community. With tremendous passion, she promotes sporting activity among seniors, proving that age and limitations should not be obstacles to fulfilling dreams and leading an active life.
The jury also recognized her exceptional past involvement in gliding and parachuting sections, which became symbols of courage, determination and overcoming personal barriers. Through her attitude, she inspires others to take on challenges, develop their passions and actively participate in social life.
Her selfless readiness to help others, openness and sensitivity to the needs of others deserve special recognition. Numerous decorations and honors confirm her many years of work and contribution to building a community based on solidarity, activity and mutual support.
The jury recognizes the candidate as a person whose energy, commitment and example show that social activity has real power to change people’s lives and inspire future generations to take action.