INFORMATION PORTAL OF THE MARSHAL'S OFFICE OF THE KUJAWSKO-POMORSKIE Region IN TORUŃ

At the invitation of Marshal Piotr Całbecki, members of the European Committee of the Regions serving on the Commission for Natural Resources (CoR NAT Commission) have come to Toruń. The study visit programme (18–22 March) includes, among others, a seminar devoted to the impact of sport and tourism on public health and sustainable local development.

Wednesday’s seminar took place on the eve of the World Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26, which served as a basis for discussions among NAT members—local government representatives from across Europe—on how major international events of this kind can promote grassroots sport, active tourism, and healthy lifestyles, and how they can become a positive driver of sustainable development.

“It is very valuable that members of the Committee of the Regions—the most influential local and regional leaders in Europe—are our guests at this particular time. Thanks to this, we can present not only what we are proud of and what we showcase every day, but also our potential as organisers of major sporting events and as a community capable of using such occasions to build an international brand,” emphasised Marshal Piotr Całbecki. “Both the championships and the NAT seminar are excellent opportunities to promote Toruń and the region, as well as to discuss what lies ahead in the near future. We are currently engaged in a debate on the future budget of the European Union. As the Committee of the Regions, we are preparing an opinion on the budgetary framework proposal presented by the European Commission. We need to meet and discuss these matters to ensure that the EU budget package continues to support regional and local development across the EU.”

During the press briefing preceding the seminar, the host of the region was joined by Nino Berdzuli, representing the World Health Organization (WHO) in Poland, NAT members Matteo Bianchi, Radim Sršeň and Nathalie Sarrabezolles, as well as distinguished Polish middle-distance runner Adam Kszczot. In their remarks, they unanimously highlighted the value and importance of sport as a factor in personal development and broader social development. Matteo Bianchi briefly shared the experience of the Italian municipality of Morazzone, which hosted events of this year’s Winter Olympic Games Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo. Nino Berdzuli pointed out that sport and physical activity are powerful drivers of health and emphasised that WHO recognises the role of major sporting events in promoting healthy lifestyles. Radim Sršeň stressed the importance of sport and major sporting events for the economy and social development. Nathalie Sarrabezolles underlined that an important element of today’s debate is the exchange of experiences regarding public policies in the field of grassroots sport and the development of infrastructure for physical activity, crucial for both physical health and mental well-being. Adam Kszczot highlighted the importance of sport and what he called a “culture of sport” in building physical competencies that help people “simply cope better in life,” also referring to social relationships and the prevention of social isolation.

In addition to the opening session, attended by, among others, Bob Ramsak from World Athletics responsible for sustainability issues and the Mayor of Toruń Paweł Gulewski, the seminar programme included two thematic panels. The first focused on sport as a catalyst for innovation and development, as well as the practical implementation of the concept of healthy communities. Speakers included Professor Bogusław Buszewski, President of the Jan Czochralski Research and Development Centre, Andrzej Klusiewicz from the Institute of Sport, Jarosław Wierski, President of the regional special-purpose companies Kujawsko-Pomorskie Regional Investments and Kujawsko-Pomorskie Medical Investments, and Adam Banaszak, President of Toruń Sports Infrastructure. The second panel addressed the effective use of sport in building strong regional brands. Participants included Jacek Gajewski, Chair of the Regional Assembly’s Committee on Sport and Tourism, Matteo Bianchi, and Adam Kszczot.

NAT members, who will also attend the Championships, will visit the spa infrastructure in Ciechocinek and the most attractive tourist sites in Toruń.

The CoR NAT Commission is one of the thematic commissions within the Committee of the Regions. It deals with a broad range of issues related to sustainable development and environmental protection, including tourism and public health. The Chair of NAT is Marshal Piotr Całbecki.

Beata Krzemińska
Press Officer of the Marshal’s Office

17 March 2026
Last updated: 19 March 2026