Bielsko-Biala, Poland, Feb 19, 2011 / 17:04 pm
Polish clergymen rocketed down ski slopes to pay tribute to their beloved Pope and countryman, and to compete for a trophy in the John Paul II Cup.
The 14th annual Alpine Skiing Championship for Polish Priests and Seminarians took place in Wisla, Poland on Feb. 12.
One of two priests that organize the event annually, 37-year old Fr. Gregory Szwarc, told CNA that the event was revived in 1998 by a group of Franciscan priests who did so in memory of a similar tournament from the past.
They have a "good pattern" to follow, said Fr. Szwarc. "Our Pope John Paul II went skiing so that is why we gave the competition his name."