Nordic walking - a passion with no barriers
Adopted at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Agenda 21 lists the challenges to be met in the 21st century, including social issues, education, management of ecosystems and a sustainable economy. These recommendations paved the way for the development of Barlinek.
‘We are one of the very few districts in Poland which have seen the implementation of these ideas as a priority,’ says Zygmunt Siarkiewicz, Mayor of Barlinek with a population of 15 thousand. ‘We want to use the potential of wise people. We developer a social consultation system which allowed us to map out a strategy of development of Barlinek, which can be modified on an ongoing basis.’
Such systemic work laid the ground for Poland’s accession to the EU, which opened up a whole new world of opportunities. Barlinek strove to find a way to distinguish itself from of similar Polish towns with historic buildings, lakes, and attractive environs. The project named “A Chance for Development – Cross-border Exchange of Experiences” involved a survey among the inhabitants of Barlinek, its twin town of Prenzlau (Germany), Szczecin, Poznań, and the borderlands. One conclusion of the survey was that Barlinek cannot base its entire promotional campaign on the figure of Emanuel Lasker – a world chess champion born in Barlinek in 1868. The ensuing social consultation, exchange of experiences with the German partner in the field of image building and cooperation with a consulting agency resulted in a new strategy of development of the region and its brand under the slogan “Barlinek – the European Capital of Nornic Walking. Let’s go!”. Experts from Barlinek teamed up with their counterparts from Prenzlau to draw up the project “Nordic Walking – a passion with no barriers”. The word play in the name refers to both the removal of barriers between countries and overcoming mental and cultural restraints.
‘Little by little, we managed to encourage the inhabitants of Barlinek, nearby towns, and finally the whole of Poland to pursue Nordic walking. At the same time we received intensive training and acquired training qualifications,’ says Katarzyna Mielcarek, trainer and chief project animator. ‘The German partner helpem us prepare and signpost the forest trails,’ she adds.
Nordic walking is contagious. Representatives of various regions come to Barlinek to learn how to promote this activity. However, there is only one European Capital of Nordic Walking (reserved name) – Barlinek. Let’s go!
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