62nd Koziolek Matolek in Memory of Kornel Makuszynski

This time-honoured sporting event was launched in tribute to Kornel Makuszynski. It's not the easiest name to pronounce for non-Polish speakers, but you can take our word for it that Mr. M - who lived in Zakopane for many years - was and is one of the best-loved children's authors in Poland. His famed character "Koziolek Matolek" (Matolek the Billy-Goat) is a sort of Polish equivalent of Winnie the Pooh, who travels the world on a quest to find a good pair of boots. The annual skiing competition pits youngsters against each other in what's become one of the key talent-spotting events of the region.