Friends Played in the II Memorial of Tomasz Jędrzejak. Janowski, Szczepaniak, and Gomólski

Last weekend in Ostrów Wielkopolski, the II Memorial of Tomasz Jędrzejak in Indoor Soccer took place. During the weekend’s play at the sports hall near Primary School No. 9, many players and people associated with the speedway environment participated.

The second edition of the tournament enjoyed greater interest. Among the teams declaring their intent to participate in the event was a team composed of Tomasz Jędrzejak‘s friends. Mateusz Szczepaniak and Maciej Janowski, who were already present during the inaugural edition of the Memorial, decided to don their sports shoes and take to the hall for a noble cause. Additionally, Kacper Gomólski accepted the invitation to join Szczepaniak’s team. Riders known from league tracks showed they can excel not only on a motorcycle. The team of speedway riders successfully made it through the group stage.

– We got out of the group, went through the round of 16, but were eliminated in the quarter-finals on penalties. At this stage, good teams are already playing, and it’s getting harder; the level is certainly high – explained Mateusz Szczepaniak.

The turnout in the hall and the cheering during the matches involving the speedway riders were highly noticeable. Especially that twice penalties decided the fate of advancement. – We are ‘assembled’ teams, so everyone here wants to win, and there’s this pressure. Particularly during penalty shots, where there’s only one shot, and the goal in the hall is not big. You really have to strike well – concluded Szczepaniak.

The former captain of BETARD SPARTA Wrocław was a great sports enthusiast; during off-seasons, indoor soccer was often his companion. – The memory of Tomek is very important. For the second year in a row, I come to Ostrów. He was a wonderful person, so if we can honor his memory once a year, it is very important. He was my friend – recalled Maciej Janowski.

The younger generation of speedway riders, for whom Tomasz Jędrzejak was a role model and teacher, also does not forget the 2012 Individual Champion of Poland. – This is a very good initiative. As I got to know Tomek personally, I knew that he really liked playing ball with Maciej Janowski; they played soccer and squash almost all the time. This is my first time here, and I really like the organization of this event. There was an offer to participate this year, but unfortunately, I couldn’t as I was at training on Saturday. However, I would also like to play soccer here – whether with my team or join someone else – said Filip Seniuk.

– I remember Tomek from my early youth, because I was really 12-13 years old, so it was very, very long ago. However, I remember it very well, despite not having many opportunities to meet – noted Jakub Krawczyk.

For a junior vice-champion of Poland, this year’s edition of the Memorial is already another in which he is participating. He also notices progress in the organization of the event. – It is definitely a very nice tournament in memory of Tomek. I was here last year. It was time spent in a pleasant atmosphere. This year, unfortunately, I’m here for only one day, but I’m very happy I can be here. There’s a lot related to Tomek, speedway, and sports in general. This event is certainly gaining more interest every year, more and more stars come here. It’s really great – he assessed.

Many fans and experts notice the similarity in the silhouette and riding style of Jakub Krawczyk to Tomasz Jędrzejak. – I definitely feel many similarities between myself and Tomek. Many people noticed that I have a very similar riding posture. Personally, over time I also noticed this. The second thing is that I too, like Tomek, am currently in Wrocław. As noted by editor Maciej Kmiecik, the coincidence of the date on which Tomek and I won the Polish championship falls on the same month, the same day, but obviously – a different year. So it all overlaps. Tomek is always somewhere in my career, and I’m following in his footsteps – concluded the current Polish junior champion.

The event was organized by the SMS Dajemy nadzieję Association. During the event, a fundraiser was held for Lilianka. Items are still available for auction, including gadgets, T-shirts, and caps with the players’ autographs. Auctions are regularly posted on the association’s page HERE.

Łukasz Kolski