The Lower Silesian Youth Oncoolympics is an annual sports event dedicated to children and youth undergoing treatment for malignant cancers. This initiative was born in 2008 at the Clinic of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology on Bujwida Street in Wroclaw, inspired by Prof. Alicja Chybicka and Prof. Marek Woźniewski.
The goal of the Oncoolympics is to promote physical activity as an integral part of the treatment and rehabilitation process for children with cancer. The event aims to break stereotypes about physical limitations resulting from the disease and encourage young patients to engage in active leisure.
Since its inception, the Oncoolympics has been held every year on the first Saturday after Children’s Day at the sports facilities of the Wroclaw University of Health and Sports Sciences. The organizers are:
👉 Wroclaw University of Health and Sports Sciences
👉 Department and Clinic of Bone Marrow Transplantation, Pediatric Oncology, and Hematology at Wroclaw Medical University
👉 Saving Kids with Cancer Foundation
During the Oncoolympics, participants compete in athletics events based on natural forms of movement, such as the 60-meter sprint, ball throw, and long jump. Additionally, individual and team games, as well as various accompanying attractions, are organized to foster integration and bring joy to the participants and their families.
In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 13th Lower Silesian Youth Oncoolympics was held online, presenting a new challenge but also proving the determination of the organizers to continue the tradition and support young patients.
In 2024, the 17th edition of the Oncoolympics took place on June 8 at the athletics stadium of the Wroclaw University of Health and Sports Sciences. The opening ceremony followed Olympic traditions, featuring the Representative Orchestra of the Wroclaw Provincial Police Headquarters. The event’s ambassador was renowned tennis player Hubert Hurkacz, with additional support from model Magdalena Stępień. The program included traditional athletics competitions, badminton and table tennis matches, and a football game between Poland and the Czech Republic. A family run and the #Oncoolympics art contest were also organized. The recreation zone featured games and activities for children, yoga sessions, and a massage area for parents. The event concluded with medal and award ceremonies for all participants, highlighting their commitment and determination.
Over the years, the Lower Silesian Youth Oncoolympics has become not only an important sporting event but also a symbol of hope, support, and integration for children battling cancer and their families.
After 17 years, the Lower Silesian Youth Oncoolympics has inspired the creation of an international event, the European Youth Oncoolympics, scheduled for 2025. This prestigious initiative will bring together young athletes from across Europe, offering them opportunities for sporting competition, integration, and exchange of experiences. The European Oncoolympics will continue the mission of promoting physical activity as a key element of treatment and rehabilitation for children with cancer, expanding this idea on an international scale. It will serve as a testament to the power of an initiative started in Wroclaw to unite people in the fight for the health and future of children across the continent.