France/En entre Verquin et Pawlowice, un nouveau souffle pour le twinning

Orchestrated by the Verquin sans frontières association, this trip was designed to revitalize a historic twinning arrangement by involving young people and local associations.

A great way to celebrate the twinning between the two towns! From November 19 to 23, a delegation from Verquin travelled to Pawlowice, Poland, to celebrate the bicentenary of Karol Miarka, the regional hero who preserved the Polish Silesian identity at a time when it was in danger of disappearing under Prussian pressure.gional hero who preserved the Polish Silesian identity at a time when it was in danger of disappearing under Prussian pressure. The group included Pierre Cocquel and Hélène Lest - an invaluable interpreter - for the Verquin sans frontières association, deputy mayor Marie Herreman, as well as Nicolas De Laere (Entente-Verquin-Béthune Football) and Myriam Deruyffelaere (Rando-Aqua-Verquin).

Revitalized exchanges

While transport was financed by Verquin Sans Frontières, accommodation was provided by the host town, in keeping with the tradition of exchanges. " I was astonished by the enthusiasm of the Poles, who want to see the exchanges move forward," says a delighted Pierre Cocquel.

And the momentum is paying off: in June, nine players and three managers from Pawlowice will take part in a soccer tournament in Verquin. The reciprocal is already under consideration.

Source: www.lavoixdunord.fr/