Square named after famous diver

In Giżycko, Masuria, one of the local squares, was named after a legend of Polish diving – Andrzej “Balon” Tarasiewicz. Considered a pioneer of diving in the Mazury region, “Balon” trained hundreds of divers and went down in history as one of the leading figures of Polish diving.

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Giżycko city councillors have decided that a diver will become the patron of the square in the square near the Łuczański Canal. As the mayor Jolanta Piotrowska explains, the choice is directly connected with the 400th anniversary of granting town rights to Giżycko celebrated this year. On this occasion, people who have contributed to the city and the region are remembered and honoured, and “Balon” was undoubtedly such a person.

Andrzej Tarasiewicz was the creator and most charismatic figure of the Masurian diving environment. He initiated and participated in many water-related projects. He taught diving since the mid-80s. During this time, he trained hundreds of divers, and among the people he took under the water were the former prime minister Włodzimierz Cimoszewicz and minister Wiesław Kaczmarek.

He died tragically in a car accident in 1998. Today, the diving school where he taught (Andrzej “Balon” Tarasiewicz Mazurskie Diving Centre) and the Krutynia rafting trip, which he initiated, bear his name. After Andrzej’s death, divers founded a plaque commemorating him, which was hung on a span of a bridge between the Dargin and Kirsajty lakes.

Source: onet.pl
Photo: Masurian Diving Centre Andrzej “Balon” Tarasiewicz