Ambassador of Poland 2022 - we know the winners of KGHM’s contest

A doctor, a soccer player, a writer, soldiers, organizers of historical campaigns, and journalists - KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. once again handed awards to outstanding personalities who, by their activities, contribute to the promotion of Poland worldwide. The winners of the fourth edition of the Ambassador of Poland contest organized by KGHM have been announced. The awards ceremony was held under the patronage of the President of Poland Andrzej Duda.

The aim of the Ambassador of Poland contest is to honor outstanding individuals who, in various areas, demonstrate worldwide that Poland is a country of people with great passion and commitment. As during previous editions, there were dozens of nominees for the awards, including successful scientists, representatives of broadly defined culture, and athletes.

When opening the gala, Marcin Chludziński, President of KGHM Polska Miedź S.A., emphasized that the company, as a business ambassador of Poland, strives to support people and projects that promote Poland’s brand.

“Today, as a nation, we need role models to rely on. We need examples of tenacity, courage, hard work, and talent. We need Polish champions. The winners of our contest have those characteristics. They contribute to building Poland’s image outside our country, but also to building national identity, including in the young generation. They strengthen the awareness that Poland is a country of creative people with great potential who can be successful,” said Marcin Chludziński.

The awards were given in several categories. The winner in the “Sports” category was Robert Lewandowski.

In the “Science” category, the award was given to Professor Jan Lubiński. He is one of the most important figures in Polish genetics. He has created the world’s first preventive genetic and oncology program. He is the author of dozens of granted and implemented national and international patents. For many years, he has been the most cited Polish researcher in the field of biomedicine and oncology.

In the “Culture” category, the winner is Andrzej Sapkowski. He is the most translated Polish fantasy writer after Stanislaw Lem. Sapkowski’s books have been translated into nearly twenty languages. Comic books, a feature film, a TV series, and a series of computer games have been based on his works. Thanks to “The Witcher,” he won the hearts of the Jury, as well as of fantasy fans around the world.

The Ambassador of Poland 2022 awards also included a Special Award. Marcin Chludziński, the President of the KGHM, gave it to the Territorial Defense Forces (TDF). As he emphasized, “members of the TDF have shown remarkable activity and efficiency, helping with many tasks related to the reception of refugees from Ukraine to Poland after Russia’s attack on their country. In doing so, they proved that they are extremely necessary, that they are one of the pillars of our country’s security.”

The Jury also awarded a Special Prize; it was given to foreign journalists who covered the assistance that Poles provided to Ukraine. The award was received on behalf of the group by Rita Cosby.

“My father fought in the Warsaw Uprising. And today we journalists are fighting for justice and showing the truth. Creating testimonies of history through our words and images. Showing the world the irreplaceable and unforgettable role of Poland. You have opened your homes to millions of refugees and never hesitated in your support for freedom. In this dark hour for Ukraine, my father’s beloved homeland, my second homeland, brought extraordinary light,” emphasized the American television and radio journalist.

An integral part of the Ambassador of Poland contest is the Audience Award. Voters in the KGHM’s poll gave this award to the organizers of the campaign BohaterON - turn on history! The award is given for the promotion of patriotic attitudes and national identity in Poland and abroad, as well as for the creation of a community that remembers the history of our country and its heroes. In the justification of their votes, the voters most often wrote one sentence: “There is no better promotion of Poland’s 20th century history.”

During the awards ceremony, the KGHM also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the company’s debut on the Warsaw Stock Exchange. This year, the company also celebrated the 65th anniversary of the discovery of a copper ore deposit in Lower Silesia.