Opening of the permanent exhibition at the Pieniny Museum dedicated to Stefan Kapłaniak

The Marshal of the Lesser Poland Voivodeship and Stefan's wife Kapłaniak "Cenka" opened an exhibition at the Pieniny Museum dedicated to this outstanding kayaker and coach. The exhibition includes the athlete's medals, including the most important one - bronze, won at the 1960 Olympics. The opening of the exhibition was attended by residents of Szczawnica, delegations of highlander organizations, politicians associated with the Pieniny region and guests from abroad, invited to the celebration of the 65th anniversary of the Pieniny Museum.

Stefan Kapłaniak "Cenek" (born April 10, 1933 in Szczawnica, died August 8, 2021 in Chicago), legend of Polish kayaking, bronze medalist of the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, three-time Olympian (1956, 1960, 1964), representative of the clubs: "Sokolicy ” Krościenko (1949-1953), CWKS Bydgoszcz (1954-1957), YK Nowa Huta (1958), “Pienin” Szczawnica (1959-1961) and “Sbójni” Warszawa (1962-1965), a student of Dr. Artur Werner (club), student of Stanisław Zantara (team).

The most versatile and with the longest experience, the first Polish kayaker to reach the world's top ranks (1950s), multiple Polish champion, world champion (1958) and European champion (1959). He won the bronze Olympic medal (1960) together with Władysław Zieliński (double 1000 m).

Distinguished Master of Sports, awarded, among others, Gold Cross of Merit and twice a gold and once a silver Medal for Outstanding Sports Achievements. In 1973, he covered the approximately 120-kilometer route from Nowy Sącz to Nowy Targ, swimming against the current on the Dunajec River, ten hours a day, without putting down the oars.

Photo Jacek Kurzeja