(photo © Paulina Bąbol)
10 August 2025, Nowy Wiśnicz (Poland) — On 10 August, Game with Mum & Dad (GWMD) returned to Poland for its second event of 2025, bringing together 9 children and 10 imprisoned parents, 1 uncle and 1 grandfather for a day of sport, music and family connection at Nowy Wiśnicz.
The event, organised by Probacja in collaboration with prison staff, took place on the pitch next to the local village community centre, offering a welcoming and open environment for families to connect 5 prison educators, 1 security guard, 2 Probacja staff members and 2 volunteers supported the event, helping to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Special guests included Mariusz Krupa, Vice-President of the Małopolska Football Association, and football coach Krystian Stec.
The highlight of the day was the signature of GWMD, that is the football match, where children and adults played side by side, cheered on by staff and volunteers. Following the game, families gathered for a picnic featuring sausages roasted over a bonfire and a variety of homemade food. Children also enjoyed face painting and other games, while one prison officer led a first aid workshop. Adding a musical touch, two members of the prison staff—both musicians—played guitar and led families in singing together.
(photo © Paulina Bąbol)
This event reflected the broader vision of GWMD. The initiative seeks to engage all levels of prison administrations, encouraging them to view family contact not as an exception, but as an essential right of the child. By embedding a child-rights mentality into prison culture, GWMD helps ensure that children’s wellbeing and family connections are prioritised as part of everyday practice.
The four-hour event created space for families to laugh, learn and share meaningful time. For the children, it was a rare and precious chance to spend the day with their loved ones in a setting that felt both normal and joyful. But despite the event being considerably longer than usual prison visits, it is never enough for children who miss their parents:
“The only thing you could improve is to extend the duration of such meetings.”
— child, Nowy Wiśnicz
An international initiative led by Children of Prisoners Europe (COPE), Game with Mum & Dad is inspired by the pioneering work of Italy’s Bambinisenzasbarre and aims to protect children’s rights by giving them meaningful time with imprisoned parents through play and shared activities on prison grounds.
As with previous GWMD gatherings in Poland, the Nowy Wiśnicz event highlighted Probacja’s determination to embed the initiative within prison culture. By combining play, sport and shared experiences, GWMD not only strengthens family bonds and supports children’s wellbeing, but also encourages prison administrations to adopt a child-rights perspective and create environments where family relationships are actively valued.
