The World Athletics Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26 provide an opportunity to achieve success not only in the sports arena, but also in the social, environmental, and economic dimensions. The Region, as the host of the Championships, has developed a social impact and sustainability strategy for the event in line with the global World Athletics initiative “Athletics for a Better World” (ABW), which highlights the role of athletics as a tool for creating positive change in the world.

 

Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the ABW platform promotes all World Athletics projects that aim to use athletics as a force for social good. In recent years, these have included:

 

1. the implementation of the World Athletics sustainability strategy, a plan designed to balance the impact of our sport and events on the economy, society, and the environment, ensuring that the needs of the present generation are met without compromising the needs of future generations;

 

2. the introduction of sustainability principles into the organisation of all athletics events through the “Athletics for a Better World Standard” — a certification that evaluates and measures an event’s achievements in environmental and social sustainability, as well as its compliance with the six pillars that form the foundation of the strategy;

 

3. the World Athletics Air Quality project, a wide-ranging research campaign aimed at raising awareness of air pollution worldwide and its impact on elite athletes, recreational runners, and spectators and fans who enjoy our events;

 

4. support for the world’s only refugee sports team, providing training and competition opportunities for athletes who have fled violence, conflict, and injustice in their home countries; as well as the development and promotion of safeguarding policies that ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all athletes.

 

The mission of the Championships hosted in the Kujawy Pomorze region is to minimise the negative environmental impact of the event and maximise the social and economic benefits for the region.

 

Objective: To organise a world-class event in a sustainable manner

This objective is pursued by the Host of the Championships (the Kujawy Pomorze region) based on six pillars:

1. Cooperation and communication
2. Sustainable production and consumption
3. Climate change and carbon dioxide emissions
4. Local environment and air quality
5. Global equality
6. Diversity, accessibility, and well-being

 

Check our projects and events!

1. “Catch the Champion” is a unique series of sports events for children and young people. It consists of eight energetic events that will take place in various cities of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship. The goal is not only to promote a healthy lifestyle but also to introduce the idea of the World Indoor Athletics Championships Kujawy Pomorze 26. 

 

2. The 2nd Kuyavian-Pomeranian Sports Forum and the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Sports Gala – December 9, 2025, Bydgoszcz was the largest gathering in the region of representatives of the sports community, local governments, and business. The event was entirely dedicated to the future of sport in the voivodeship and preparations for the World Indoor Athletics Championships Kujawy and Pomorze 2026. As part of the event, a debate was held on the Sustainable World Indoor Athletics Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026. https://kujawsko-pomorskie.pl/sport-i-turystyka/sport/ii-kujawsko-pomorskie-forum-sportu-oraz-kujawsko-pomorska-gala-sportu-9-grudnia-2025-bydgoszcz/

 

3. “Believe in Sport” – a program designed to build generations of active residents. This long-term initiative of the voivodeship aims to engage entire generations in sport, develop physical activity, and strengthen local sports communities. During the 2nd Kuyavian-Pomeranian Sports Forum, the project’s assumptions, results, development directions, and its impact on the region’s preparations for the World Indoor Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026 will be discussed. “Believe in Sport” is not only a campaign – it is a systemic project intended to truly transform the everyday sporting life of residents, from the youngest to seniors. https://kujawsko-pomorskie.pl/aktualnosci/uwierz-w-sport/

 

4. Training and integration meeting for volunteers involved in organizing and supporting the World Indoor Athletics Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026. Registration for volunteers closed on October 20, 2025. Based on the applications, 450 volunteers aged 16 to 60 were selected. Participants represent the entire country, and there are also volunteers from abroad.

The organisational meeting took place at the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Arena Toruń. Training included:
• Preparing volunteers for their work during the championships.
• Team integration and building a sense of community.
• Introducing participants to the idea and promotion of the event.
• Raising awareness of the concept of Sustainable Championships and the possibility of implementing sustainable practices within volunteer activities.
• Providing organizational information and safety rules, including training in assisting people with special needs.

 

As part of their volunteer packages, participants received wildflower meadow seeds. Meadows for biodiversity support pollinating insects and local ecosystems. They work well in urban areas, near investments, in naturalistic gardens, and in agricultural areas. They are drought-resistant and easy to maintain. A mixture of native perennial species effectively supports biodiversity. By using the seeds provided, our volunteers will be able to directly influence biodiversity in their local areas. https://kujawsko-pomorskie.pl/aktualnosci/hmsl-kujawy-pomorze-26-razem-tworzymy-mistrzostwa-swiata/

 

5. Conference “50 Days to the Championships” – 50 Relays of Kujawy and Pomorze: Together We Create the World Championships. As part of preparations for the World Indoor Athletics Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026, the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship launched a region-wide campaign promoting an active lifestyle among residents titled: “50 Relays of Kujawy and Pomorze – Together We Create the World Championships.” The aim of the campaign is to encourage residents of the region to engage in daily physical activity and to build awareness of how important movement is for our physical health, mental condition, and quality of life. The campaign connects preparations for a world-class sporting event with real action to improve the health of residents. The project is based on the idea of 50 days – 50 municipalities – 50 different groups of residents, where every day an activity takes place in a different municipality, accessible to people of different ages and abilities. Depending on local needs, these activities include both open events for residents and sessions dedicated to specific groups, including children, youth, and seniors. For 50 consecutive days, from January 30 to March 20, 2026, every day in a different town there are physical activities, training sessions, meetings, and events encouraging people to spend time together being active.

 

Event calendar (selected examples)
• March 3 – 17 days to the championships – futsal training of KS Górzno Nowy Świt players (Brodnica County)
• March 2 – 18 days to the championships – Kangoo Jumps fitness classes in Zielnowo (Grudziądz County)
• March 1 – 19 days to the championships – athletics training in Nakło nad Notecią
• February 28 – 20 days to the championships – football tournament in Chodecz (Włocławek County)
• February 27 – 21 days to the championships – 11th Kuyavian-Pomeranian Special Olympics Bocce Tournament in Golub-Dobrzyń
• February 26 – 22 days to the championships – handball training of KS Gwiazda Żnin in Żnin
• February 25 – 23 days to the championships – volleyball and handball training in Kikół (Lipno County)
• February 24 – 24 days to the championships – fitness classes and Nordic walking in Waganiec (Aleksandrów County)
• February 23 – 25 days to the championships – judo classes of the Szubinianka club in Szubin (Nakło County)
• February 22 – 26 days to the championships – winter chess tournament in Inowrocław
• February 21 – 27 days to the championships – activities on the ski slope in Unisław (Chełmno County)
• February 20 – 28 days to the championships – training with MLKS Tuchola athletes
• February 19 – 29 days to the championships – table tennis training of UKS Top Solec Kujawski (Bydgoszcz County)
• February 18 – 30 days to the championships – athletics training with MKS Lech Rypin athletes
• February 17 – 31 days to the championships – athletics classes at LDK Wąbrzeźno club
• February 16 – 32 days to the championships – floorball training in Lubiewo (Tuchola County)
• February 15 – 33 days to the championships – Valentine’s Doubles Badminton Tournament in Smólnik (Włocławek County)
• February 14 – 34 days to the championships – Valentine’s run in Świecie
• February 13 – 35 days to the championships – boxing training of CKB Potężnie athletes in Ciechocinek
• February 12 – 36 days to the championships – athletics training with MUKL Brodnica athletes
• February 11 – 37 days to the championships – athletics training at Primary School in Stolno
• February 10 – 38 days to the championships – training with KS Sokół Lubicz Dolny
• February 9 – 39 days to the championships – football training in Złotniki Kujawskie
• February 8 – 40 days to the championships – 28th International Adam Filemonowicz Memorial Field Hockey Tournament in Brąchnowo (Toruń County)
• February 7 – 41 days to the championships – Youth Volunteer Fire Brigade Football Championships in Karnkowo (Lipno County)
• February 6 – 42 days to the championships – athletics training with MZKS Orlęta Aleksandrów Kujawski
• February 5 – 43 days to the championships – canoe training of KST Włókniarz Chełmża
• February 4 – 44 days to the championships – football training with LKS Znicz Rojewo players
• February 3 – 45 days to the championships – training of Lipno Kyokushin Karate Club and Boxing Team Lipno members
• February 2 – 46 days to the championships – athletics training at ABiC Jabłonowo Pomorskie club
• February 1 – 47 days to the championships – winter swimming with the Pakość ice swimmers at Lake Pakoskie
• January 31 – 48 days to the championships – volleyball match of Sokół & Hagric Mogilno
• January 30 – 49 days to the championships – athletics training at Primary School in Sadki (Nakło County)

 

The campaign’s motto is: TOGETHER WE CREATE THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS!

 

The relay has a symbolic and social character. Its essence is to show that world championships begin not only in stadiums, but above all in the everyday choices of residents—walking, running, cycling, training, and participating in sports together.

 

The campaign emphasizes that regular physical activity:
• strengthens the cardiovascular and immune systems,
• improves fitness and physical performance,
• reduces stress and tension,
• positively influences well-being and mental health,
• builds social relationships and a sense of community.

 

“50 Relays of Kujawy and Pomorze” is an open campaign accessible to everyone—children, youth, adults, seniors, people with disabilities, and entire families. Its goal is not only to promote the upcoming championships but above all to create lasting changes in habits and build a culture of an active, healthy lifestyle throughout the region. The finale of the 50-day relay will take place at the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Arena Toruń, where the World Indoor Athletics Championships Kujawy Pomorze 2026 will be held and where the joint countdown to the start of the championships will symbolically end. The campaign is part of the long-term activities of the Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship aimed at promoting health, physical activity, and social integration, as well as building the image of the region as a place friendly to sport and an active lifestyle. https://kujawsko-pomorskie.pl/en/news/world-indoor-championships-kujawy-pomorze-26-the-grand-finale-of-our-relays-is-getting-closer-photos-video/ https://kujawsko-pomorskie.pl/aktualnosci/hms-kujawy-pomorze-26-wydarzenie-na-skale-swiatowa-w-zrownowazonym-wymiarze/

 

During the relay’s journey across the voivodeship, participants are asked the following questions: Why do you like sport? What can we learn from athletes? How can we take care of our environment? A summary of the interviews is available in a video on social media: https://www.facebook.com/uwierzwsport/videos/1694035858700477/