12 July 2026, Kraków (Poland) — After bringing families together in Tarnów on Saturday, the GWMD team at Probacja travelled to Kraków the following day, continuing a weekend dedicated to strengthening the bond between children and imprisoned parents through play.
The third event of this year’s Polish edition of the programme was held on Sunday at the Kraków-Nowa Huta External Unit of the Kraków Remand Centre, creating another opportunity for families to strengthen their relationships in a supportive and welcoming environment.
The event was once again supported by the Małopolska Football Association (MZPN). Tomasz Ziarkowski, a member of the MZPN Board, joined the day alongside coach Dawid Będkowski, who returned for his second GWMD event after first volunteering with the programme last year. Adding to the spirit of the day, two young football players, Dominik and Teresa, encouraged and played alongside the children, ensuring that even the youngest participants had the confidence and opportunity to take part on the pitch.
Although the weather was unpredictable, families made the most of every opportunity to play together. The football match began outdoors before rain prompted everyone to move into the gymnasium. When the showers finally passed, the day’s most enthusiastic players headed straight back outside, finishing with an energetic penalty shootout: a little rain couldn’t do anything in front of their determination.
The organising local NGO, Probacja, extend their sincere thanks to the Headteacher of Primary School No. 78 in Kraków, whose generous support and access to the school’s sports facilities helped make the day possible.
Throughout the day, families highlighted the importance of opportunities that allow them to spend meaningful time together beyond the constraints of traditional prison visits.
“This meeting gave us the opportunity to have the close contact that our family misses in everyday life, to play together and build stronger bonds.”
For another parent, the chance to simply enjoy an ordinary day together was what mattered most.
“Thanks to this meeting, I was able to see my family in a pleasant environment and spend time together in an active way.”
For children with a parent in prison, opportunities to play and spend time together in a more natural way can make a meaningful difference. By creating spaces where families can interact beyond the formal and strict setting of prison visits, GWMD helps preserve relationships that are essential to children’s wellbeing and gives parents the chance to remain actively involved in their children’s lives.
