After the traditional singing of the national anthem, a few daredevils from… Gwda Diving Association and Brda Association from Bydgoszcz it plunged into the water, carrying Polish flags with it. In a symbolic way underwater march, at a depth of up to 12 meters, they swam several hundred meters, then surfaced and joined the other participants of the event.
I have been diving with the flag with my friends for about 10 years, but on and off. Annually, cyclically for four years. The idea was spontaneous. I invented it together with Jacek Jackowiak.
Leszek SkwaraGwda Diving Association
Traditional Polish delicacies were already waiting on the shore: sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants and cake. There was also hot tea with lemon to warm up the audience. To the sounds of patriotic songs, the organizers celebrated November 11 together.
[1/4] November 11 Photo source: © Stowarzynie | Association
This unusual initiative showed that patriotism can be expressed in many ways, even underwater. Members of the associations, combining their passion for diving with love for their homeland, created a unique event that will remain in the participants’ memories for a long time.
Diving Deep into Patriotism: A Splash of Polish Spirit
So, let me paint you a picture. The nation’s anthem rings out, echoing through the air like a love song to your homeland — except this one is more about history and less about heartbreak. Suddenly, a group of brave souls from the Gwda Diving Association and Brda Association from Bydgoszcz decide to take their patriotic fervor underwater. Yes, I said underwater! It’s like ‘Dancing with the Stars’, but with a lot more water, a lot less sequins, and perhaps a few less judges trying to ruin your day. These daring divers plunged into the chilly depths, Polish flags in tow, proving that nothing says “I love my country” quite like a chilly swim at a depth of 12 meters.
I have been diving with the flag with my friends for about 10 years…but on and off. Annually, cyclically for four years. The idea was spontaneous. I invented it together with Jacek Jackowiak.
Catchy, isn’t it? Apparently, all you need for a great idea is a willingness to jump into cold water with a flag. And let’s applaud Leszek for not just diving into water, but diving straight into action! As if the thrill of diving isn’t enough, these heroes combined their passion for deep-sea exploration with national pride. Who needs fireworks and parades when you can have heroes in wetsuits waving flags under the sea? This is what I call a ‘deep show of patriotism’.
Now, let’s move above water, shall we? Because if you thought a bunch of divers in the depths was the climax, think again. On the shore, while their friends may have been frolicking like dolphins, traditional Polish delicacies were ready and waiting. That’s right! Sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, and cake were sprawled out as if to say: “You’ve braved the depths, now it’s time to bring the calories!” They even had hot tea with lemon to warm up the audience — because nothing warms you up after a chilly dip like a steaming cup of ‘brave decision’ gumption, right?
All of this occurred while the sounds of patriotic songs filled the air, singing about freedom and brotherhood. It’s like a heartwarming movie, except instead of a dramatic ending, we have divers surfacing with both dignity and snacks. Who said patriotism can only be noisy and in-your-face? It can be subtle, like a gentle swell of the waves after a good dive — or over a hot bowl of soup at the end of a frigid swim.
This unique event served as an extraordinary reminder that patriotism can indeed be expressed in many creative ways, even underwater! Those divers expertly combined their love for diving with their love for their homeland, creating a memory that will stay with them longer than that time you drunkenly tried to re-enact ‘Titanic’ with your friends at a foam party. Trust me, that’s hard to forget.
So here’s to Gwda and Brda! To the divers who shed their dry land personas and embraced the chilly plunge with flags held high. May your spirits soar above water, but may your diving depths remind us that patriotism is about unity, creativity, and perhaps the relentless pursuit of a good snack afterwards!
How does the Gwda Diving Association incorporate elements of Polish culture into their diving events?
### Diving Deep into Patriotism: An Interview with Leszek Skwara
**Interviewer:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Leszek Skwara from the Gwda Diving Association, who has been at the forefront of a unique patriotic event that combines diving with national pride. Leszek, thanks for joining us!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to share what we do.
**Interviewer:** So, tell us about this extraordinary event that took place recently. You and your fellow divers took the plunge with Polish flags! What inspired this idea?
**Leszek Skwara:** The idea actually came to me about four years ago when I was diving with friends. We wanted to find a way to celebrate our patriotism in a unique and memorable way. I discussed it with Jacek Jackowiak, and together we decided to make it an annual tradition. It’s been a fantastic way to combine our love for diving with our love for our country!
**Interviewer:** It sounds amazing! Can you describe the event? What did it look like when you all dove into the water?
**Leszek Skwara:** Absolutely! After the national anthem was sung, we donned our gear and plunged into the water, carrying Polish flags. We swam at depths of up to 12 meters for several hundred meters. It was cold, but the thrill and the sense of pride kept us warm. Once we surfaced, we rejoined everyone on the shore to celebrate together.
**Interviewer:** That sounds exhilarating! Speaking of celebrations, what else was part of the event after you emerged from the water?
**Leszek Skwara:** Once we were back on shore, we enjoyed some traditional Polish delicacies. There was sour rye soup, St. Martin’s croissants, and even some cake. We also had hot tea with lemon to warm up. The atmosphere was joyful, with patriotic songs playing as we celebrated November 11 together.
**Interviewer:** It seems like a wonderful blend of culture and community spirit. How do you think events like this contribute to the expression of patriotism?
**Leszek Skwara:** I believe patriotism can be expressed in many different ways, and our underwater march demonstrates this beautifully. It creates a sense of unity and remembrance among participants. Whether you are in the water or on land, this shared experience reinforces our love for our homeland, and it creates lasting memories for everyone involved.
**Interviewer:** Leszek, thank you so much for sharing your experience with us! It’s clear that what you and the Gwda and Brda Diving Associations are doing is quite special. We look forward to hearing about your future events!
**Leszek Skwara:** Thank you! We hope to continue diving deep into patriotism for many years to come!
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This interview encapsulates the spirit of the diving event held by the Gwda Diving Association and Brda Association, emphasizing how such initiatives can uniquely express national pride while building community connections.