Księżówka, the Polish Episcopate Rest House in Zakopane, hosted the I Polish Clergy Chess Championship from 1 - 7 July 2002. The originators and organizers were Fr. Stanisław Dębowski from Kałków- Godów in the diocese of Radom, and Fr. Franciszek Grela from Łagów and Fr. Piotr Kubicz from Borów, both from the diocese of Sandomierz.

The initiative to host a championship was supported by Bishop Marian Florczyk, President of the Polish Episcopate Commission for Sport. In addition, Fr. Tomasz Boroń, director of Księżówka, provided invaluable help in organizing the championship. Without his assistance this event would not have been possible, and for this he deserves words of heartfelt thanks. The organizers are also grateful to Fr. Stanisław Tkocz, chief editor of „Goś ć Niedzielny” for publicizing the event and for his support.

The Championship began on 1 July 2002. Cardinal Franciszek Macharski, who was staying in Księżówka at the time, welcomed the participants and wished them a joyful and fruitful intellectual adventure. The Championship was then officially opened by Bishop Paweł Socha from the Diocese of Zielona Góra - Gorzów. In his words to the competing priests he stressed that the same traits needed at the chessboard - patience, composure, perseverance and the ability to correctly analyze situations - are also very important in both pastoral work and everyday life.

The tournament format was a ten-round double round-robin, with each player allotted one hour per game. The winner was Fr. Zbigniew Wądrzyk from Gdańsk who scored 9 points (out of 10) and became the first Polish clergy chess champion. His only loss was to Fr. Stanisław Dębowski. The second place finisher was brother Marek Leszek Bartoś, the Superior of the Albertine Brothers in Częstochowa, who won six games, and Fr. Stanisław Dębowski was in third place with 4.5 points. Also, Fr. Franciszek Grela successfully completed his participation in the Championship winning the third chess category.

During the championship a fast chess tournament was also held, with the participants playing for the Księżówka Father Director’s Cup. In this tournament Fr. Zbigniew Wądrzyk was unbeatable, winning 11 of 12 games and besting the runner-up, Fr. Rafał Figiel from Białogard, by five points.

Fr. Tomasz Boroń, the Księżówka director, awarded all the winners cups and certificates at the end of the event.

Mr Zygmunt Wielecki from Gdańsk refereed the Championship and he also twice played a simultaneous exhibition with the participants. In addition, he prepared a daily newsletter which summarized previously played games. Most importantly, too, his oversight and guidance were instrumental in creating a relaxed and friendly atmosphere during the tournament.

The participants look forward to meeting again at the next Championship, which will take place during the first week of July 2003 in Gdańsk.

Fr. Stanisław Dębowski - Diocese of Radom