Welcome all in New Year 2009,

I hope that you all spent New Years Eve at the nice party or in a very good mood. Remember: the whole 2009 year will be just as the New Years Eve night was! Well, I think that many people in Poland already pray that in 2009 they are in better physical condition than they were on the first morning of 2009!:) But seriously, I wish that 2009 will be better than the previous year... not that 2008 was bad but each beginning of a new year gives more space for improvements, new promises, challenges and hopes! And I hope for all of us that we use the new opportunities that the year 2009 brings!

Do you actually like sport? Probably it depends... some like swimming, others love formula 1 races while different ones support soccer teams. But why does it change when the national teams play? Why is it so important that the sportsman representing our country wins? To me the tournaments remind sometimes battles between countries and presentation of strength... people started to treat sport winnings as a matter of life and death.

In Poland when the national soccer team plays, the balconies become white and red from Polish flags, as a sign of support. When Polish ski jumper, Adam Malysz, jumps the Poles hold their breath... When Robert Kubica takes part in races almost whole country gets glued to a TV set. Every failure brings disappointment, anger and even tears... but also hopes that next time it will be much better! The new article will introduce you to the world of sports in Poland. By reading it you will get to know who the Poles believe in, whom they admire and why I know so well the match at Wembley in 1973 (Poland against England) although I was born couple years after and I am not a big football fan:) Read... and you will know!

Sportsmen who make Poland proud
Each medal, record and sport achievement seems to heal inferiority complexes of the Poles. If there is no sportsmen who is good at given discipline right now, the Poles endlessly sigh when talking about those from the past.

If you are looking for more articles and information on culture of Poland, do not hesitate to visit Polish Culture site at BellaOnline.com.

Are you interested in chatting with us? You have some questions? Advices? Or you just simply want to let us know what you would like to read about? Superb! Then check Polish Culture Forum and influence the topics we talk about!

Feel free to forward this newsletter to anybody you feel would be interested in Polish Culture. In case of any questions or advices feel free to email me:)

Once again all the best to all of you!

Barbara Swiech, Polish Culture Editor
http://polishculture.bellaonline.com