Latvian Polish Union in Jelgava Cultivates Community Through Sports, Culture, and Education
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The Jelgava branch of the Latvian Polish Union, established on March 24, 1989, continues to be a vibrant hub for Poland’s diaspora in Latvia, fostering a sense of community through a diverse range of activities focused on education, culture, and sports. With a current membership of 53, the organization has become a cornerstone of Polish life in the Zemgale region.
A Legacy of Leadership and Growth
Since its founding, the Jelgava branch has benefited from dedicated leadership. The organization was initially established by Jadwig Radzina and Ita Kozakevich, and later guided by Mary Kudrjavcev, who also served as a leader for the entire Latvian Polish Union. Currently, Edmunds Misjevičs chairs the branch, having assumed the role in 2023, and is supported by board members including Jelena Kovalonoka, Walentyna Albrecht, Elicja Barysznikowa, and Lauris Ziverts. Notably, Helena Kovalonok, the daughter of former leader Mary Kudrjavcev, also plays a significant role on the board.
Connecting Through a Digital Presence
Recognizing the importance of modern communication, the Jelgava branch is among a select few within the Latvian Polish Union to maintain an active Facebook page, providing a platform for regular updates and engagement with the community. This digital presence allows interested individuals to stay informed about the organization’s initiatives and events.
Ringo Tournament Highlights Community Spirit
Recent months have seen a flurry of activity, with several key events organized for the Polish community in Jelgava. A particularly notable event was the beach Ringo Tournament held in Kesterciems, attracting participants from across Latvia and even neighboring Poland.
“We have been involved in promoting the Ringo game in Latvia for many years,” explained Jelena Kovalonok in a conversation with lsm.lv. “Children and young people have been playing Ringo since we began participating in the International Children’s and Youth Parafiacade in Warsaw over 20 years ago.” The game’s inclusion in the Polish Parafiad in Jelgava further solidified its popularity, and for the past six years, the branch has actively promoted its development through regular tournaments.
This year’s tournament in Kesterciems drew participants from Jelgava, Jurmala, and Riga, as well as guests from Vjelička, Poland, where Svetlana Kunc (Swietłana Kost), a promoter of the novus game, resides. According to a post on the Union’s Facebook page, the competition featured various age groups and, importantly, family games that fostered “positive emotions and common entertainment.” Participants noted the enthusiastic atmosphere and growing interest in the sport.
Celebrating Polish Heritage Through Literature
The summer season extended beyond sports, with the Jelgava branch co-organizing an international Polish event known as “National Reading” in early September. This annual event, celebrated globally, focuses on the works of Polish literary figures. This year’s selection featured the poetry of Renaissance poet Jan Kochanowski, including his renowned work, Treny (Lamentations).
This marked the second time Jelgava hosted “National Reading,” with the event organized by Polish language and cultural teacher Alexander Adamska. “This day gave us the opportunity to get to know the work of the outstanding poet Jan Kochanovsky, with real joy reading his still up-to-date and moving works,” a Jelgava Polish public activist stated. Similar readings also took place in Riga and Daugavpils, and last year, were extended to Kraslava thanks to the efforts of a Polish couple, the Federkevichs.
Engaging with the Wider Community
The Jelgava branch’s commitment to outreach was further demonstrated through its participation in a school festival organized by the Jelgava Social Affairs Department on September 5th. This marked the third year the organization has participated, viewing it as a valuable opportunity to introduce its activities to the broader local community and connect with individuals interested in Polish language and culture.
“Together with Polish language teacher Alexander Adamsk we decided to participate in order to directly introduce the inhabitants of Jelgava to our activities,” Kovalonoka explained. The branch distributed brochures, shared its Facebook page via QR codes, and even hosted a Kahoot game focused on Polish culture, showcasing initiatives like the Polish Culture and Language School and the vocal ensemble “Semigalia.” The Polish stand garnered significant interest, with many visitors learning about the Latvian Polish Union for the first time.
Future Plans and Expansion
Looking ahead, the 53 members of the Jelgava branch are committed to continuing their successful Ringo tournaments and expanding the game’s reach within Latvia. There are also plans to collaborate with physical education teachers to integrate Ringo into school curricula and potentially invite a Polish coach to provide specialized training.
While there are no immediate plans for formal expansion beyond Jelgava, the organization remains open to organic growth. The recent Ringo tournament in Kesterciems and connections made at the school festival with residents of nearby Olaine suggest a natural potential for extending their reach.
One thing remains clear: the Jelgava branch of the Latvian Polish Union will continue to provide a vibrant and engaging platform for Polish culture and community in the capital of Zemgale.
