On Saturday, August 31, the third GWMD event in Poland was held at the Zakład Karny in Nowym Wiśniczu prison. This game brought together 11 children, 6 imprisoned fathers and 8 carers and took place in an extraordinary setting—a picturesque hilltop pitch surrounded by lush greenery. This provided an ideal background for a day filled with ‘magic,’ sport and strengthening of family connections, precisely the bond between imprisoned parents and their children.
The day began with a performance by ‘The Alchemist’, a captivating role played by one of the Służba Więzienna officers. Children and their parents were transported into a world of wonder as they listened to a tale about the history of alchemy in Poland. The officer then dazzled the young audience with a series of incredible experiments, each one meeting with applause and wide-eyed excitement. This magical introduction set the tone for a day that would be as much about learning and discovery as it was about connection.
After this, it was time for the main event: the football game. The first whistle blew, signaling the start of a game that brought together children, their imprisoned parents, loved ones and educators from the Penitentiary. The game was officiated by Michał Królikowski, Director of the Football Sports School in Krakow and head of the Training Department, whose expertise and enthusiasm added a touch of professionalism.
The Prison Service officers also took part in the fun, joining children and parents on the football field, sharing high fives, laughter and cheers of encouragement. Their friendly approach transformed them into honorary ‘aunts’ and ‘uncles’ for the day, creating a more supportive and relaxed environment for everyone. These officers also had the unique opportunity to see the imprisoned parents in a new light—as caring, engaged parents striving to reconnect with their children. This demonstrated how events like this can be a testament of the importance of human connections and of spaces that allow them to flourish. While the day was filled with beautiful moments—hugs, smiles and the simple joy of spending time together—it also revealed the complex emotional landscape that these families navigate.
“During today’s event, I enjoyed the opportunity to spend some active time with my dad” – Boy, 15 years old
(Na dzisiejszym spotkaniu podobała mi się mi się możliwość spędzenia aktywnie czasu z tatą)
Behind the laughter and play, there were glimpses of the deep-seated feelings of longing, anger and guilt that many of these children carry. The reality of these relationships is complex, marked by both warmth and tension, illustrating the profound impact of separation and the challenges of maintaining family bonds under difficult circumstances.
Also this time, Game with Mum & Dad project tried to serve as a bridge, an effective tool and an opportunity to strengthen, enhance and maintain the bond between children and their parents that has been strained by time and distance. It was a powerful reminder that playing together can be a unifying force, even in the most challenging of situations.
Read all about the games hosted in Poland here.
