Ready to play? Valmet hands over the renovated sports field at Dąbrówka Orphanage

The sports field received a new surface as well as new goals and basketball hoops.  

Dąbrówka Orphanage and Valmet’s cooperation goes back a long time – it was initiated already by the former PMP Group that Valmet acquired in 2020. Valmet has continued to support the orphanage through its social responsibility program and a few years ago donated a vehicle to enable safe transportation to school and leisure time activities. Now, Valmet had the pleasure of handing over the thoroughly renovated sports field at the orphanage premises.  

“When visiting Dąbrówka Orphanage previously, we noticed that the children loved to play sports and just hang out having fun together at the sports field. It did not, however offer proper conditions for games, so we came up with the idea of renovating the field – also to further improve the children’s access to meaningful activities and equal opportunities for wellbeing as well as integration with their school friends, who can now come out and play,” says Maja Mejsner, Director, Process Parts at Valmet. 

Mateusz Biegała, Plant Manager at Valmet, Jerzy Łużniak, Mayor of Jelenia Góra, Katarzyna Lenart-Wyrobek, Director of Dąbrówka Orphanage, and Pemo Klimczak, Director, Strategic Development Project, Global Supply at Valmet were extremely satisfied for the sportsfield makeover.

Sports field is a place where dreams are born and talents nurtured 

During the renovation, the old field was covered with a new polypropylene surface and equipped with new goals and basketball hoops. To make the makeover complete, the local sports store Decathlon together with Jerzy Łużniak, Mayor of Jelenia Góra, donated loads of new balls to the children. 

The Orphanage Director Katarzyna Lenart-Wyrobek is thankful for the renovation of the sports field and believes it will open new opportunities for the children. Two years ago, when the renovation plan had just been published, she said: 

“The renovation is not just a cosmetic transformation but, above all, an investment in children’s development and wellbeing. Being able to play sports contributes to shaping strong characters, fostering passions, and strengthening social bonds. Improved safety during activities ensures a calm environment for learning and growth. We are confident that the new sports field will become a place where dreams are born and talents are nurtured.” 

Smiles and joy during the opening ceremony 

The official opening of the renovated sports field took place on October 3, 2025. In a very touchy atmosphere, representatives of Jelenia Góra city and Valmet as well as other companies involved in the work, such as a local hardware store Matex and construction company OLMIR, met the children and management of the Dąbrówka Orphanage. The significance of the outcome was best captured in the smiles and joy of the children and adults alike. 

Paweł Nowicki, Manager, Assembly SMM BU at Valmet shows that the sports field makeover is a "thumbs up" initiative.

“Thank you, thank you, and once more thank you to everyone who has been involved in this project. My gratitude has no boundaries, as our children now have something that we could only dream of,” said Katarzyna Lenart-Wyrobek. 

“This project demonstrates how companies can help city residents not only by creating jobs, but also by implementing such social projects. Valmet’s involvement in Dąbrówka extends beyond the sports field – from the donation of a vehicle a few years ago to perhaps even more initiatives in the future. Thank you, Valmet, and everyone who has been part of the project – your selfless support shows that there are so many people with good hearts,” said Jerzy Łużniak. 

Pemo Klimczak takes part in distributing the balls sponsored by the local Decathlon sports store.

Valmet's global social responsibility program leads to local intitiatives

Valmet’s initiatives to support the Dąbrówka Orphanage have been part of the company’s global social responsibility program. The program is based on three themes promoting science, nature, and equal opportunities. 

“Also on Valmet’s behalf, I sincerely thank everyone involved in this project. For us, it is not just a sports field or construction work; it is much more. Through our social responsibility program and its local initiatives, we have chosen to care for the wellbeing of children and youth – and this is how we can help,” said Pemo Klimczak, Director, Strategic Development Projects at Valmet. 

Mateusz Biegała, Valmet’s Plant Manager at Jelenia Góra, adds: “I’m very happy to work for a company that supports the local community the way Valmet does. My sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the project – Valmeteers and the numerous people and companies that have been involved along the way.” 

The local TV Station TV DAMI Jelenia Góra produced a video an published it on its Facebook account. Take a look at the video >>