Gdynia is renowned as a city of sports, with the broadly understood physical activity present both in huge arenas and in urban spaces. The city of sports has become a city of championships, which we will see in the coming weeks, months, and years.
Gdynia calendar for the coming months is full of big sports events – the next year’s Half Marathon Championships, as well as this year’s FIFA U-20 World Cup, Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia, Aerobaltic, Red Bull Flugtug, and Polish MTB National Championships.
‘Gdynia seaside location opens up ample opportunities.This is confirmed by a variety of events organised in the city. We are hosting water sports championships, football tournaments, air shows, as well as events in the urban space, including a triathlon and cycling races,’says Wojciech Szczurek, Mayor of Gdynia.
Football Emotions on a Global Scale
Only two years after UEFA EURO U21 Championships, Poland is hosting another big football tournament – FIFA U-20 World Cup. The city hosts include modern and thriving Gdynia and its City Stadium. Organising ten games of the tournament is a great honour for the city.
‘European Under-21 Championship in Gdynia was a huge success, and I’m sure we’ll do well with the world championships, too,’ adds Rafał Klajnert, CEO of Gdynia Sports Centre.
Triathletes to the Starting Line!
Triathlon competitions are becoming a tradition.Enea IRONMAN 70.3 Gdynia is the most prestigious triathlon competitions in Poland and one of the major triathlon events in Europe.This August, between 9 and 11, participants will try to break the triathlon turnout record in Poland again.
Racing on the Bumps
Apart from races on flat terrain, the city is also organising a race on the bumps. On 7 and 8 September, Gdynia is hosting Polish MTB National Championships. The competitors will line up to compete for top prizes in the surroundings of the picturesque forests in the Tricity Landscape Park and the fantastic seaside atmosphere.
The 14th edition of 7R CST MTB Gdynia Marathon includes cross-country Elite Races, Under‑23 Races (80 kilometres), and Junior Races (60 kilometres).
‘Every new event is an energy boost. I’m sure that the experience we’ve gained over the last years will help us take this event to a higher level.’ – says Marek Łucyk, Gdynia Deputy Mayor for Development.
Aerobatics in the Air
Now get ready to take off! In the middle of August, Gdynia is hosting Gdynia Aerobaltic 2019 – spectacular shows of top aerobatic pilots.
There will be plenty of evening and night air shows, pyrotechnic shows, long-hour dynamic shows in the air every day, and over 85 aeroplanes displayed in a static exhibition. You may even spend three nights at the campsite at Gdynia-Kosakowo Airport, where you will find most of the attractions. The organisers do not forget about little air show fans, for whom they have prepared a Game Zone with game consoles, free workshops ‘Academy of Young Pilot’, and ‘Aeroland’, which is an attractive program of attractions and animations for children.
Gdynia Aerobaltic 2019 will be held in two locations: Gdynia-Kosakowo Airport (17–18 August) and the City Beach (16–17 August).
Red Bull Gives You Wiiings!
Constructors of these machines will surely fly much shorter than their predecessors. Come to Kościuszko Square on 3 and 4 August to see the Himalaya of creativity. The participants will line up on a special platform to take off and fly. Red Bull Flugtug is a contest for talented constructors and brave pilots. The crews design, construct, and fly self‑made flying machines… or, what is much more common, land on water in a spectacular way.
The crews get points for the duration of the flight, the creativity of the structure, and artistic effects.
Sailing excitement!
Between 22 July and 3 August, Gdynia Marina will be teeming with sailors of the 20th edition of Volvo Gdynia Sailing Days.It is the most prestigious regatta in Poland and the biggest sailing event in this part of the Baltic Sea.
‘Not without reason Gdynia is often called the sailing capital of Poland. We are proud of the fact that sailors from all over the world feel at home here,’says Wojciech Szczurek.
The day before VGSD, sailing enthusiasts will have a chance to watch novice sailors. In 2019, the city of the sea and dreams is hosting a major youth regatta. The 2019 Hempel Youth Sailing World Championships will be held in Gdynia for the second time in history. The event starts on 13 July.
Half Marathon Championships
In March 2020, Gdynia is hosting IAAF (International Amateur Athletic Federation) World Half Marathon Championships. The city was bidding for the event against Kyiv and Bogota.
The Half Marathon Championships is one of the most prestigious events in the sports calendar, held since 1992. Amateurs will run the same distance as professionals. Gdynia expects around 20 thousand runners to enter the race.
‘You must be with us in two years.Don’t let us down!’encourages Sebastian Coe, President of IAAF.
Gdynia has been hosting the Half Marathon for three years. The event has soon become very prestigious, which is confirmed by, among others, IAAF Road Race Bronze Label Certificate, awarded to events with high organisational and sports standards.
