Filip Gątkowski
Poland Business Run 2024 Beneficiary
“11-year-old from Sosnowiec in the Silesian voivodeship. He was born with a congenital defect - the absence of a lower limb, mild intellectual dysfunction and autism spectrum. He has already undergone two surgeries in preparation for a prosthesis. Currently, Filip is learning to walk with a prosthesis, but rehabilitation is necessary so that he can move without crutches and start a more independent life. He will be helped in this by co-financing a rehabilitation stay after amputation with learning to walk, which he will take at the “Znowu w Biegu” Rehabilitation Centre."
Mamadou Mounir Sylla
Poland Business Run 2024 Beneficiary
“An 18-year-old from Łuków in the Lublin voivodeship. He is originally from Guinea in Africa. In 2023, as a result of fourth-degree frostbite and a foot infection, he had to have both legs amputated at tibia level. Today, he moves around in an electric wheelchair that was donated to him. Before the amputation, he played basketball and was fulfilled by this sport, which allowed him to get away from reality. He also wanted to pass his baccalaureate and go to university to train professionally in basketball at one of the university clubs. Thanks to the PBR 2024 runners he will receive funding to buy two prostheses and psychological consultations. This will allow him to get back to normal, be physically fit, study, work, play his beloved sport in a wheelchair and enjoy life."
Tomasz Nijakowski
Poland Business Run 2024 Beneficiary
“A 48-year-old man from Lusowo in the Greater Poland voivodeship. In 2022 he underwent surgery to amputate his left leg at thigh level. This was due to Fibrosarcoma cancer. A physiotherapist by training, he has always been involved in sport, having previously trained in swimming and MTB cycling. After the operation, he took an interest in para kayaking. He created an exercise space for himself at home and purchased a rowing ergometer. From July 2023, already under the guidance of a professional trainer, he trained six days a week, first in a kayak, then in a canoe. In April 2024, he was appointed to the National Team on behalf of the Polish Canoe Federation for the European Championships in the sprint and European Championships in the canoe marathon. In August this year he won a silver medal at the Polish Championships in Bydgoszcz. Funding for a rehabilitation camp will allow him to exercise under the guidance of the best physiotherapists and return to fitness after his amputation. He would like to learn how to walk without the help of crutches, to function more efficiently in everyday life, and to fulfil his dreams, such as completing post-graduate studies at the Academy of Physical Education or finding a job where he would be able to realise himself - preferably in sport, with disabled people. He also dreams of travelling with his wife and son and qualifying for the 2028 Paralympic Games. He wants to set an example for people who have gone through different experiences in life and make them aware of the benefits of physical activity and self-confidence."
