JERZY GOTOWSKI

World Sport History. Honorary Doctorate for Polish Patron Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski.

In November 2026, immediately following the 37th WFF-WBBF World Championships in Nida, Lithuania, a ceremonial event will be held in Poland during which Jerzy (Jurek) Gotowski, a long-standing friend of the World WFF-WBBF Federation, renowned Polish businessman, patron and public figure, will receive one of the highest academic distinctions – the title of Honorary Doctor. The ceremony will also be attended by the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation.

A Long-standing Friendship and Partnership

Jurek Gotowski’s cooperation with the World WFF-WBBF Federation began in 2006. That year, he became one of the organisers of an international WFF-WBBF tournament in Bydgoszcz. However, his involvement did not end there.

Recognising the importance of international sports cooperation, J. Gotowski became actively involved in the Federation’s activities and soon emerged as one of its most important supporters in Poland.

His most significant contribution to WFF-WBBF activities was the organisation of the WFF-WBBF World Championships in Bydgoszcz in 2008. To this day, the event is regarded as one of the most impressive championships in the history of the Federation.

It was not only a top-level sporting competition, but also a major international event that attracted considerable attention in Europe and beyond.

An Impressive World Championship in Bydgoszcz

The World Championships were held at the prestigious “Łuczniczka” Sports Hall. Bydgoszcz was decorated with Federation symbols, exceptional conditions were provided for athletes and guests, and unique crystal medals were presented to the winners.

The high standard of organisation became an example for many international WFF-WBBF championships that followed.

Particular attention was devoted to promoting the event and strengthening its international prestige. As many as eight international press conferences were held before and after the World Championships.

Official meetings were also held at Bydgoszcz City Hall with the then Mayor Konstanty Dombrowicz and Deputy Mayor Kazimierz Drozd.

On the occasion of the World Championships, Poland’s then Minister of Sport, Zbigniew Pacelt, hosted an official reception for the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation at the Ministry of Sport in Warsaw. This was a significant sign of the Federation’s international recognition at the governmental level.

Contribution to Lithuanian-Polish Cooperation

In 2008, Jurek Gotowski also financed the participation of a large Polish national delegation in the 40th International “Amber Prize” Tournament in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

The delegation was led by Bydgoszcz Deputy Mayor Kazimierz Drozd. During the visit, cooperation projects between Bydgoszcz and Klaipėda were presented and discussed with Viačeslav Karmanov, then Director of the Administration of Klaipėda City Municipality.

In this way, sporting cooperation developed into broader ties between Lithuanian and Polish cities, encompassing sport, culture and public cooperation.

Recognition of His Merits

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the international activities of WFF-WBBF, in 2009 Federation President Dr. Edmundas Daubaras presented Jurek Gotowski with the International Honorary Gold Medal.

This distinction added to J. Gotowski’s extensive collection of state and public awards received for his services to the Republic of Poland.

A Loyal Friend of the Federation

For nearly two decades, Jurek Gotowski has remained a loyal friend of the World WFF-WBBF Federation. He continues to support Federation events in Poland, attends major Federation celebrations as an honorary guest and contributes through his activities to the strengthening of international sports cooperation.

True patronage is measured not only by financial support. It is demonstrated through a long-term commitment to people, ideas and shared values.

Jurek Gotowski’s longstanding activities represent precisely such an example of patronage and international friendship.

The awarding of the Honorary Doctor title in Poland in November 2026 will become another significant recognition of his longstanding work and outstanding contribution.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt