Coach of the 20th century on a postage stamp
On Friday, February 26th, Poczta Polska (Polish Post) presented its "Kazimierz Górski" stamp to customers and philatelists. The new stamp, released in a circulation of one million pieces to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Polish coach's birth, will be distributed to post offices across the country.
The official presentation of the stamp took place on February 26th at the Museum of Sports and Tourism in Warsaw, with the participation of Anna Krupka, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Sport; Tomasz Zdzikot and Wiesław Włodek, President and Vice President of Poczta Polska; Janusz Jesionka, Ambassador of the Kazimierz Górski Foundation; and Andrzej Kraśnicki, President of the Polish Olympic Committee. Kazimierz Górski's son, Dariusz Górski, and his family also attended the event.
" I am delighted that the centenary of the birth of Kazimierz Górski – a great coach and head coach of the Polish national team – has been commemorated in such a unique way. In the history of our country's football, there has never been another coach like Kazimierz Górski. The victories and medals won by Górski's Eagles are among the greatest successes of Polish sport, " said Anna Krupka, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Sport.
The design's author, Jarosław Ochendzan, depicted Kazimierz Górski on the stamp. In this limited edition, in addition to the stamp, Poczta Polska issued a First Day of Circulation (FDC) envelope. It depicts the 20th-century coach on the pitch during a training session with the Polish national team. The date stamp includes Kazimierz Górski's signature.
" For years, Poczta Polska has been honoring distinguished Poles with its stamps, figures known from the worlds of culture, science, and also the sport that makes our country famous internationally. Kazimierz Górski is undoubtedly one of those who have made a mark on the history of our sport, and it is worth reminding future generations of this figure, " said Tomasz Zdzikot, President of the Management Board of Poczta Polska.
Kazimierz Górski was a footballer and one of the most outstanding football coaches of the 20th century. With the Polish national team, he won the Olympic Championship in 1972 (Munich) and the Olympic runner-up finish at the following Olympics (Montreal). The most prestigious achievement in his coaching career was winning the bronze medal with the Polish national team at the 1974 World Cup (Germany). During his club career, he won the Greek Championship five times and the Greek Cup four times. In 1960, he finished runner-up with Legia Warsaw. From 1991 to 1995, he served as president of the Polish Football Association (PZPN), and since 1995, as honorary president of the Polish Football Federation.
" Kazimierz Górski was an outstanding coach, a brilliant manager, and an exceptional educator. Above all, however, he was a universally respected man. Such people are extremely rare, " said Janusz Jesionek, president of the Kazimierz Górski Foundation. " The professional successes he achieved—and they were enormous—would make most of us feel unfettered pride. However, they didn't change Mr. Kazimierz. He was a very calm person, and this proved crucial when the Polish national team played for very high stakes. And it is known that during Górski's tenure, they always competed for the highest stakes. He was able to react on the same emotional level, even in crisis situations, " emphasized Janusz Jesionek.
The celebrations of the 100th anniversary of Kazimierz Górski's birth began last December, when PKP Intercity launched a train connection between Rzeszów and Szczecin called "TLK Górski." A commemorative banknote was also issued to mark the anniversary, issued by the Museum of Sports and Tourism in Warsaw. The next highlight of the celebrations will be the temporary exhibition "Łączy nas Kazimierz Górski," which will be on display at the museum from March 2nd to September 10th. The highlight of the celebrations will be a gala with the participation of many of the famous coach's players, scheduled for April 24th in Warsaw.
" The latest Poczta Polska circulation issue celebrates an extraordinary figure, the most outstanding coach in the history of Polish football. Kazimierz Górski not only built a dream team, with the national team winning Olympic gold and silver, and bronze at the World Cup, defeating England, Brazil, Italy, and Argentina, but above all, he showed that Poles don't have to have complexes on the pitch and can beat the best. Under his guidance, Polish football has become a powerhouse and a source of great pride for its fans, " said Wiesław Włodek, Vice President of Poczta Polska.
As part of its football-themed publications, Poczta Polska issued a stamp honoring Robert Lewandowski in 2018. In 2019, stamps dedicated to Kazimierz Deyna and the 100th anniversary of the Polish Football Association were released.
About the stamp:
Author of the stamp design: Jarosław Ochendzan
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 4
Circulation: 1,000,000 pcs
Printing technique: rotogravure
Stamp format: 25.50 mm x 31.25 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 100 stamps
Date of introduction into circulation: February 26, 2021
This and other philatelic publications of Poczta Polska can be purchased at post offices and online store: www.filatelistyka.poczta-polska.pl