Sonia Turzyniecka is an athlete associated with Bolesławiec who, despite her sporting successes, was unable to secure support for preparations for the world championships. The needs were very specific and modest: training with a coach and payment for a second night’s accommodation during the competition. Amounts that are achievable sums for some proved to be an insurmountable barrier for the athlete with a disability.
The gesture by Anna Rak and her husband is all the more moving. The owners of “Małe Odkrywcy” and the “Skrzydła” school did not remain indifferent to the appeal. Without hesitation, they provided Sonia with financial support, giving her something more than money: peace of mind, faith and the feeling that she is not alone in her hometown.
This is a beautiful example of local solidarity. At a time when help can be difficult to find and athletes with disabilities often have to fight not only in arenas but also for the resources needed to train, such an attitude deserves the highest recognition. Thanks to the generosity of the Raks, the champion from Bolesławiec will be able to focus on what matters most: fighting for a medal.
This was not a one-time gesture. Sonia is always welcome at “Małe Odkrywcy”
The help provided by Anna Rak and her husband, the owners of “Małe Odkrywcy” and the “Skrzydła” school, was not a one-time gesture. The institutions have been cooperating with Sonia Turzyniecka for a long time. In May 2026, during the Talent Gala, the athlete received a statuette from them for promoting diversity and acceptance. As they emphasize, Sonia proves to children that everyone, regardless of limitations, can achieve great things.
“We believe that Sonia is a very valuable person, ambitious and sensitive, with her heart on her sleeve. When she visited our preschool, she had a wonderful time interacting with the children. It was a beautiful day. I think we should all look at things more broadly and support one another whenever possible. I admit that we did not know what the situation was like. We do not think these were large amounts, and she really does great, wonderful things for the city, to our pride. She is a person with a disability who does what she loves. For us, it was obvious, and without hesitation we decided to help,” says Anna Rak.
Armwrestler from Bolesławiec Takes First Place in the National “Women with Passion 2026” Poll
For years, Sonia Turzyniecka has been one of the best-known athletes from Bolesławiec. After a serious musculoskeletal injury in 1998, training became not only a form of rehabilitation for her 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), the World Cup, as well as numerous medals in para-armwrestling, Masters and Grand Masters competitions, and multiple Polish championships. In 2024, she made her debut in the bench press, winning World Cup gold, and in 2026 she won gold and silver at the GPC Polish Championships.
She received the Bolesławiec Mayor’s Award for promoting the city twice, and in 2025 she was honored by Deputy Minister of Sport Piotr Borys for outstanding achievements and fair play. In 2026, she began cooperating with KS Gladiator, becoming an ambassador for boxing for people with disabilities. This is her new passion: para-boxing, a discipline that is only beginning to establish itself in Poland. In September of that year, she added first place in the National “Women with Passion 2026” Poll.