Jan Nowak – the legend of „Warta” Poznań
Jan Nowak was born on 15th April of 1926 in Sierakowo. In the period of German occupation he was working in the Metal Industry Plant “Hercules” in Poznań. After liberation of Poznań he participated in rebuilding of that plant. In July of 1949 he was transferred to the Plant of Hipolit Cegielski in Poznań. Since 15th day of December of 1945, that is almost since the beginning of formation of Fencing Section he became its member, participating simultaneously in the works of its management. In the years 1948-1990 he was a member of the Management of the Regional Fencing Association in Poznań.
In the period from 1957-1971 he was holding additional function of the training head of the Regional Fencing Association. Jan Nowak was an active competitor fighting in foil, saber, sword and bayonet fencing. In the years 1945-1956 he achieved championship of Poznań region many times. His greatest achievement was winning of the title of Champion of Poland of “B” class in foil fencing in 1950. Since 1965 until Olympic Championships in Seoul in 1988 he was holding the function of assisting trainer of the national senior team.
Jan Nowak obtained many awards and decorations for his training work, inter alia: Cavalier Cross of the Order of Poland Restored, Decoration of Honor for service for Development of Voivodeship of Poznań, Silver Decoration of Distinguished Activist of Physical Culture, Decoration of Honor of Poznań City, Decoration of 100th Anniversary of the Polish Sport, Gold Decoration for service for the Polish Fencing Development.
During his long-term work he trained competitors and trainers, who achieved sport successes in national and international competitions. The following persons should be mentioned here: Jerzy Karczmarek, Leszek Jarosławski, Przemysław Jabłoński, Grzegorz Dolata, Piotr Kniat, Paweł Kantorski, Waldemar Ciesielczyk, Anna Mucha, Magdalena Kucharska, Agnieszka Gałkowska and Małgorzata Wojtkowiak. Jan Nowak was professionally active trainer of „Warta” Poznań until the end of his life, he passed away on 24th October of 1999.
