- We are a developer, but we do not build for ourselves. Through the erection of new buildings – like Format – we create the city. Each time, we want to add value to the place where we invest, make it better and more attractive – for the city, inhabitants, and business alike. Therefore, a few years ago, we built a tunnel by the SKM Przymorze-Uniwersytet train platform, we have been supporting local sport for years, and we get involved in multiple social initiatives, some of which we initiate ourselves. The multifunctional, open-to-public sports zone at Format is yet another example of our engagement in the development of the city and Przymorze Małe district, and definitely it is not the last one – says Sławomir Gajewski, Torus CEO. – Our activities in this respect are not accidental. It is a long-term strategy which embraces the popularization of physical activity and multi-generational integration – he adds.
The sports zone was set up on Droszyńskiego St. 24, right by the Format office building. The multifunctional, modern, tartan-surfaced sports ground is intended for playing basketball, volleyball, football, or handball. As for handball, Torus has been closely tied to this sports discipline, as the company, for years, has been a title sponsor of the local team – Wybrzeże Gdańsk, which closed the recent season on a respectable 5th position in the PGNiG handball league. The team’s leading players, alongside team coaches, turned up at the facility unveiling ceremony, and played a friendly match against ‘Torus and friends’ team, and later also played a match with children.
– Torus has been our partner for many years; the spirit of sport is ever-present within the company, and I am full of admiration for this very initiative. The construction of such a facility brings an immense value to the district and society, as it provides an opportunity for physical activity to everybody – both kids, as well as seniors – says Damian Wleklak, silver (2007) and bronze (2009) medal winner in Handball World Championship, a manager of Torus Wybrzeże Gdańsk at present.
Besides the ground, the facility also houses an outdoor ping-pong table, and a workout zone – an open-air gym which will most likely be eagerly attended by seniors.
Tons of welcoming attractions
The official unveiling was packed in multiple attractions, workshops, and shows, e.g. workshops intended for seniors conducted by ZEROBAN social cooperative, dance shows and workshops run by Flex Sopot Cheerleaders, and a meeting with Mirosław Babiarz, physical preparation coach, who explained how to safely use an outdoor gym. Paweł Nowak, a winner of more than fifty medals, including two World Championship titles won in competitions held both in Poland and abroad, conducted a Footbag Freestyle show (the game commonly known as ‘zośka’), combined with the trick learning and integrational game. Physiotherapists from CFF ran more classes dedicated to seniors, with Movement responsible for putting on a show of parkour, freerunning, and calisthenics, mixed with animations. One could also take part in sports animations, and play a game of bottle caps.
Inter-generational integration
Socio-cultural changes result in alterations in lifestyles and life modes observed from generation to generation. These days, it is difficult to pull kids and teens away from smartphones and computers, whereas their parents used to spend most time outdoors in their early years. Additionally, there is a shortage of sports facilities in close vicinity which would encourage and motivate young people to explore sports passions. On the other hand, the current professionally-active generation increasingly appreciates the importance of work-life balance, and eagerly takes up various forms of activity – for the Format employees, such a ground might prove to be an exceptionally attractive get-together site. One cannot forget about seniors whose numbers will increase as a result of demographic trends. For them – movement, outdoor physical activity, but also the opportunity to meet other people – in their age or younger, throughout multi-generational integration – are all of extreme importance. See you on the sports ground!
About Torus
Torus is one of Poland’s leading commercial real estate developers, although the company’s portfolio is much broader – it is made up of hotel investments, including revitalizations, warehouses, as well as residential buildings. Up until now, Torus has supplied the Tricity market with over 180,000 square metres of leasable space, and realized seven sales transactions of its real estate to six different investment funds (5 buildings in Arkońska Business Park, and four stages of Alchemia), for the combined fee of nearly 370 million euro. More information at: www.torus.pl
