Eligiusz Małolepszy

SPORT IN VOLYN IN THE YEARS 1921–1939. OUTLINE HISTORY

Introduction. The aim of this paper is to outline the history of sport in Volyn (the area of the Volhynian province in the period of the Second Polish Republic) in the years 1921–1939. The Volhynian province was established on 19 February 1921. As of April 1, 1939 its area covered 35,754 km2 and had a population of 2,085,600 people (as of 9 December 1931). The population of Polish nationality was 16,6 %, of Ukrainian nationality – 68,4 % , of Jewish nationality – 9,9 %, of German nationality – 2,3 %, of Czech nationality – 1,5 %, of Russian nationality – 1,1 %, the remaining nationalities – 0,2%. Townspeople of the province represented only 13,3 % of the population. The province consisted of the following counties: Dubno, Horochow, Kostopil, Kovel, Kremenets, Liuboml, Lutsk, Rivne, Sarny, Volodymyr and Zdolbuniv. The county of Sarny (formerly included in Polesia province) became a part of the Volhynian province in December 1930. Methods and Research Problems. As part of preparation of this study the following research methods have been used: analysis of historical sources, the method of synthesis and comparison. The following research areas have been put forward: What did the development of sport in Volyn in the years 1921–1939 look like? What conditions influenced the development of sport in the Volhynian province in the years 1921–1939? What clubs and associations were engaged in sports activity in Volyn in the years 1921–1939? As far as the research is concerned preliminary research into archive sources was conducted. The literature used has been the one taking into account the issues of contributions to the history of physical education and sport in Volhynian province in the years 1921–1939. Findings and Conclusions. The years 1921–1939 saw the development of sport in Volyn. The development of sports infrastructure as well as trainings of personnel for the purpose of physical education and sport could be observed. The sports structures established in Volyn – in the form of district sports associations and the operation of Provincial, County and Municipal Committees of Physical Education and Military Training (after 1927) were conducive to the development of this field of sports activity. A significant role in sports activity was played by sports, youth and social clubs and associations. Sport was practised by all nationality groups residing in the Volhynian province.