2018 "Sportplatz" at Oflag 64 Site

         At the last minute, the previously scheduled Second Annual "Live History" Reenactment event had to be cancelled.  In its place Mariusz Winiecki, with the great support of Gmina Szubin, the Szubin Museum, MOAS, and others, organized "Sportplatz", a sports day event which included an American-style football game played by a Polish team (KS Archers), a baseball game, and other activities Kriegies enjoyed while in captivity.  Many Polish citizens and dignataries attended, along with an American delegation who had participated in meetings and events a day earlier.  Following the football game which looked just like what you would see in the US, Dave Stewart (son of the late Kriegy Donald B. Stewart) presented an American "Medal of Honor" football to the coach and his teams.  

          In addition to the sports activities, compelling posters of student artwork expressing their ideas of what life must have been like as POWs were exhibited.  Outdoor activities were followed by a presentation at the MOAS school given by Dr. Jan Daniluk, one of the US Advisory Council's Polish advisors.  The entire event was held to continue publicizing, and garner support for, the Museum of POW Camps in Szubin.

          Before the end of the day, Sportplatz challenge coins were given to participants, students, and town officials by the American visitors.  All were well received.

          The following photos will give you an idea of what transpired during the day.  

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Announcing American games at the site of Oflag 64
Archers' equipment ready to go
Getting ready to hike the ball
Game in progress
Game in progress
Game in progress
Game in progress
Game in progress
Who's going to win?
Medal of Honor football
Medal of Honor football presented by Dave Stewart to Archers' coach and team members
Archers coach receives Medal of Honor football from Dave Stewart
Post-game presentations by Mayor Michalak and Kamila Czechowska
Post-game presentation
Post-game presentation
Archers' coach takes the mic
Student artwork depicting life as a POW
Student artwork
Student artwork
Jan Daniluk and Mayor Michalak prior to presentation
Audience waiting for presentation
Presentation in progress
Challenge coin - front
Challenge coin - back (photo taken by International Red Cross at Oflag 64 during WWII)

Click on thumbnails below to see larger photos.