History of Polonia Open
The original tournament was organized by a group of Polish-American sports fans associated with the Riverdale Tennis of New York and the Polish American Golf Association (PAGA). The origins of the tournament go back to 1998, when Arthur Bobko came forth with the idea, securing support of a number of Florida sports aficionados. The first Polonia Open tournament was held in 2001. in Sarasota as an event gathering 74 players from the U.S., Poland, Canada, England and Germany. The tournament had a very high level of sports competition, and the final was a real hit of tennis season. The organizers had prepared many additional attractions for the participants, including a golf tournament, attended by 18 people. This idea immediately met with great enthusiasm and support of the golfers. As a result, the golf tournament has become a permanent part of Polonia Open tournament and in 2003, yielding an equivalent status of the event. Over 60 golfers attended, including many well-known Polish-American and Polish National players. In 2004, after moving to the east coast, the golf tournament reached the magic number of 120 players. This happened earlier than expected and all future events are planned for the Enchanted number of 120 players (golf) at which the organizers want to stay, despite the fact that between 2005 and 2006 players were already signed on the waiting list.
The first golf tournament was played in 2001 and it's most popular side attraction was a golf competition organized by the current president of PAGA, Paul Gasior. The event was enthusiastically received by both players and sponsors. Since then PAGA under the Chair of Pawel Gasior decided to ho host the annual golf tournament along side tennis. PAGA has a great deal of experience not only in organizing the Polonia Open but many other just as important tournaments such as POLSAT CUP or PENN CLASSIC. The Polonia Open has proven to be one of the best organized sports events of the Polish American Community. This statement can be supported by the fact that PAGA received the recognition from the Olympic Committee of Poland for the propagation of Polish sports activities around the world.
The argument that quantity does not always affect the quality and perhaps because of it, this tournament has come to become one of the most important sporting events of Polish-American world.
As the number of participants rose, the group of organizers was augmented by Mr. Mark Kwoka, currently residing in West Palm Beach. A devoted volleyball player and activist, he is well known in the Polish-American sports circles. It is expected that the event will attract even more active supporters in the coming years.
It is the hope of the organizers that the success of the tournament contributes to the foundation of a Polish-American Sports Center in Florida, which would benefit both Polish Americans and sports people from Poland. Everyone interested in such venture is requested to contact the organizers of Polonia Open Tournament.
What some people even predict that in the near future, you will need to carry out the elimination of eligibility for this event. This tournament is a unique event not only ethnic in Florida, but worldwide. It is expected that every Polonia Open by Zywiec brings even more participants in sports activities, and sponsors to create new marketing opportunities, which of course will foster excellent new place for the 2012 events at the Fountains Country Club.