Dear Harvey,
This is about the power of sport! I hope this letter finds you in spirit, and in good spirits.
I want to share a story that truly reflects the values you often mention. It is a remarkable story about the transformative power of sport.
Members of The Richmond Lawn Tennis Club, 16 in total, including Cathy and me, recently visited Pobiedziska Tennis Club, near Poznań, Poland for a weekend. This international tennis exchange has been ongoing for three years.
The Poles visit Richmond to play on grass in even-numbered years, and the Richmond team travels to Poland to play on red clay in odd-numbered years. What happened wasn’t just a weekend of tennis but a celebration of human connection, perseverance, and community spirit. Cathy and I will treasure that weekend for the rest of our lives.
The weekend agenda
On Friday evening, the Mayor of Pobiedziska, Ireneusz Antkowiak, hosted us with a lovely dinner at a local restaurant. We were served excellent Polish cuisine and local wine. The warmth of their hospitality set the tone for the weekend, although this generosity did not extend to the tennis courts.
Saturday’s tournament saw a strong performance from the Pobiedziska team, who beat Richmond comfortably. The Poles fulfilled a promise to prevail after two previous defeats.
Despite the loss, the true spirit of the weekend shone brightly. The clay courts at Pobiedziska became a battleground for spirited singles and doubles matches, with players on both sides fighting for every point. The red clay is my new favorite surface. I love how high the ball bounces and how fun long rallies can be.
Saturday evening concluded with a lively gathering in the town square, where we danced to a mix of Polish and international hits. (Team Richmond definitely won the dance floor!)
This was followed by a BBQ on the tennis club’s terrace. It was a moment of pure joy—music, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
Sunday’s optional trip to Toruń
On Sunday, some members of our group returned to the courts for more tennis, while others explored Toruń, a medieval town on the Vistula River, courtesy of the Mayor’s invitation. Toruń’s charm and rich history added another layer to our Polish experience.
Did you know that Torun is the gingerbread capital of the world?
We connected deeply with the locals and grew closer to our fellow travellers during our time there. Each morning, breakfast on the hotel terrace became a beloved tradition, blending cultures through laughter and unforgettable shared experiences.
Jacek Durski: a remarkable example of someone living from a place of RELEVANCE
One of the most moving stories of the weekend belonged to Jacek Durski, one of the founders of Pobiedziska Tennis Club. Jac, now 75, built the first two courts by hand 50 years ago, laying the foundation for what would become a vital part of the community. This was during a time when communist rulers dictated where you would live and what you would do for work. Jac had studied Agriculture at university in Poznan, where he also learned to play tennis. He took to the game quickly and became an excellent coach.
A fun men’s doubles match allowed me to play against this ‘crafty vet,’ on court two, one of the original two courts. I will never forget that match and how special it felt to play against Jac on that very court! We had some amazing points and while my volley game was at its 65 year old best, it was not enough to get past Jac and his partner.
Jac’s contributions go beyond tennis
The club he established played a vital role in transforming the town’s fortunes. Fifteen years ago, unemployment was a staggering 25%, and alcoholism was widespread. Today, unemployment has fallen to 2%, and the community is thriving.
Jac’s efforts were recognised at a beautiful town square ceremony, where he received an award for helping the community overcome the challenges of communist control and bringing prosperity to Pobiedziska.
Cathy and I sat with Jac and Artur at dinner on Saturday evening. We loved hearing first hand, through Artur’s interpretations, Jac explaining how tennis became a way for young people to reach out to a bigger world.
The club was a safe place for kids during after school and school breaks; but also a way for better players to travel beyond Pobiedziska for tournament play. For the elite players, it even became a gateway to education, through American college scholarships.
I’m considering a return trip to visit Jac for an interview. He would be a perfect addition to the types of individuals I am featuring in my book project, RELEVANCE: From Beginning to End.
Conclusion
Harvey, you would have loved the community spirit that permeates Pobiedziska. They’ve used sports—not just tennis but the ethos of teamwork and perseverance—to foster change and build connections that transcend borders. It’s the kind of impact you always championed, where a simple game becomes a catalyst for something far greater.
As we bid farewell to Poland, at least for now, we carried unforgettable memories and a renewed appreciation for the bonds that sports can forge. We look forward to welcoming the Pobiedziska team to Richmond next year, and even more to our next visit to their spirited town. Until then, I will cherish these moments and the lessons they have taught us.
Yours always,
gPage
P.S. I want to take a second to say a special thanks to our Richmond friends, Dot Sztorc and Melody Landwehr for introducing us to Richmond Lawn Tennis Club. Plus, to Pobiedziska’s Artur Milecki, the current chair of the club, who picked us up at the airport and was so generous to us all throughout the weekend. And, lastly, a shout out to @Maryna R on the Pobiedziska team for organizing and running the tournament.
“Millions of people were charmed by the homespun golf advice dispensed in Harvey Penick’s Little Red Book, a sports classic that became the best-selling sports book of all time. Yet, beyond the Texas golf courses where Penick happily toiled for the better part of eight decades, few people knew the self-made golf pro who coaxed the best out of countless greats — Tom Kite, Ben Crenshaw, Betsy Rawls, Mickey Wright — all champions who considered Penick their coach and lifelong friend.” – Kevin Robbins, author of Harvey Penick: The Life and Wisdom of the Man Who Wrote the Book on Golf.
