"Przemyśl has beautiful fencing traditions. It's high time to return to them!" says Jan Skwarczyński.

Jan Skwarczyński, born on June 13, 1945 in Niżankowice (now Ukraine), construction engineer, retired teacher of vocational subjects at the now defunct Construction School Complex in Przemyśl, fencer, fencing coach, sports activist, Przemyśl councilor of the second and third term.

Why did you become interested in fencing?

"Thanks to family tradition. My father, Władysław, fought in the Austro-Hungarian Army during World War I in the Carpathian Campaign. He was wounded and taken prisoner by the Russians in Kolomyia. The Russians, thinking he was dead, threw him in a garbage dump. However, he showed signs of life in the dump. My father's friends, from Niżankowice, carried him to the camp hospital. Thanks to them, he survived. My father's brother, Jan Skwarczyński, was a member of the Sokół group in Niżankowice. He was wounded in the leg, and my father's sister was sent to Siberia with her small child because she married a soldier who fought in the defensive war against the Bolsheviks in 1920. He managed to escape, but she and her child did not. Fencing in the army at that time also involved bayonets. So I grew up in the tradition of Polish arms, hence my interest in this sport."

When did your sports adventure with fencing in Przemyśl begin?

"In 1975, I founded and ran the fencing section at the Przemyśl "Budowlanka" club until 1980. The Polonia Przemyśl club supported me with equipment after the fencing section disbanded. In the 1960s, as a student at the construction school in Rzeszów, I represented Stal Rzeszów in sabre and foil. I was selected for the Rzeszów Voivodeship Fencing Team before the 1964 Polish Championships. Stanisław Cielecki and his wife, representatives of Polonia Przemyśl, were also on the team. Later, strong fencing sections were also established in Jarosław, Przeworsk, and Lubaczów. After graduating, I trained with Legia Warsaw during my military service. After returning to Przemyśl, I took a job, first at the Municipal Construction and Renovation Company, and then at the Rzeszów Industrial Construction Association." As a fun fact, as a manager, I oversaw the construction of the Sanwil Coated Fabrics Plant in Przemyśl. Fencing, however, has always been close to my heart. Therefore, when the opportunity arose, I returned to fencing as a coach. It's worth remembering: Przemyśl was home to the National Fencing Training Center at the Przemyśl Sports Hall. The best Polish fencers trained here, including Wojciech Zabłocki, Jerzy Pawłowski, Egon Franke, and Ryszard Parulski—all world champions and Olympic medalists.

And now, after many years, you again dream of establishing a fencing section in Przemyśl?

"I'm committed to establishing a fencing section in Przemyśl, in keeping with the city's rich tradition. Through cooperation between MKS Polonia, Przemyśl City Hall, and primary and secondary schools. I've already discussed this with the city hall. I've been asked to prepare a pilot training program for children and youth."

Fencing is an elite and expensive sport. Do you think the idea has a chance of success in a city struggling with persistent financial shortages?

"Of course. At the elementary school level, training can be done without weapons or equipment, so the costs would be modest. At this stage, it would be more about the overall development of children and youth. Learning basic fencing thrusts and reactions. I'm thinking about grades four through eight. In high school, those interested could be supported by the club, the city, sponsors, and, of course, parents."

I hear tremendous commitment in your voice. Why is this so important to you?

"As I mentioned, fencing has been in my blood since my early boyhood, when I listened to family stories. It's also a wonderful school for building character and noble competition, with clear rules. For young people, it can be a great escape from computers and cell phones. It's a chance to find their passion and build relationships with their peers. Moreover, with Przemyśl's rich fencing tradition, it's simply worth returning to."

Thank you for the interview.

Artur Wilgucki