Marek Wielgus

Marek Wielgus (20 December 1950 – 6 February 1996) was a Polish sports activist, photographer, and Sejm deputy on his second-term.

Marek Wielgus
Sejm of the Republic of Poland
In office
19 September 1993 (1993-09-19) – 6 February 1996 (1996-02-06)
Personal details
Born(1950-12-20)20 December 1950
Warsaw, Poland
Died6 February 1996(1996-02-06) (aged 45)
26 km (16 mi; 14 nmi) NE of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic
Political partyNonpartisan Bloc for Support of Reforms
AwardsKnight's Cross

Biography
Memorial plaque of Marek Wielgus on the Konwiktorska Street Municipal Stadium

Wielgus had a diverse career, excelling in sports photography, entrepreneurship, and politics. After graduating from the School of Artistic Crafts in Warsaw in 1970, he began working with publications such as the "Sportowiec" magazine and later established his own magazine called "Mecz" (Match). His talent in sports photography led him to cover the FIFA World Cup on four occasions.

Not limited to photography, Wielgus also founded the first Laboratory of Professional Photography in Poland. He published several photo albums and curated exhibitions showcasing his own works. In addition to his artistic pursuits, Wielgus was involved in the football scene. From 1993 to 1996, he owned the football section of Polonia Warsaw and served as the chairman of its supervisory board.

Wielgus ventured into politics as well. In the 1991 Polish parliamentary election he ran as an independent candidate on the Alliance of Democrats' list but was not successful.[1] However, in 1993, he was elected as a second-term deputy from the Nonpartisan Bloc for Support of Reforms.[2] During his time in the Sejm, he directed the Youth Commission, Physical Culture, and Sport.

Wielgus and Lesław Ćmikiewicz played pivotal roles in organizing Students' Sports Clubs and spearheading mini football tournaments for children associated with UKS. Their efforts aimed to promote sports among young people. In 1995, Wielgus assumed the position of vice-president of the Polish Football Associations management board, further contributing to the development of football in Poland.

Following the dissolution of the BBWR (Citizens' Movement for Democratic Action), Wielgus joined the Republican Party, aligning himself with their political ideology.

Tragically, Wielgus, along with parliament member Zbigniew Gorzelańczyk, lost their lives in the devastating crash of Birgenair Flight 301 in the Dominican Republic in 1996. In recognition of his achievements and the sacrifices he made, Wielgus was posthumously honored with the Knight's Cross by the Order of Polonia Restituta.[3]

To commemorate Wielgus's contributions, a commemorative plaque was installed at the Konwiktorska Street Municipal Stadium in 1996, serving as a lasting tribute to his legacy.

References
  1. "Fotoreporter, biznesmen, wydawca... – poseł?" [Photojournalist, businessman, publisher... - MP?]. Polish courier (in Polish). 9 September 1991. p. 5.
  2. "Poseł Marek Wielgus" [Marek Wielgus, MP]. orka.sejm.gov.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2021-01-26.
  3. "Postanowienie Prezydenta Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej z dnia 15 lutego 1996 r. o nadaniu orderów" [Order of the President of the Republic of Poland of February 15, 1996 on awarding orders.]. prawo.sejm.gov.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 2019-06-06.
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