Also receiving the award at a ceremony in Warsaw on Thursday were Olympic speed climbing champion Aleksandra Mirosław and ski mountaineer Andrzej Bargiel.
Ski jumper Piotr Żyła and Olympic silver medal-winning rower Katarzyna Zillmann were likewise recognised for their contributions to strengthening Poland's international standing.
Additional recipients included speed skater Piotr Michalski; rally drivers Mikołaj Marczyk, Jakub Przygoński and Jakub Matulka; boxer Łukasz Różański; and speedway rider Dominik Kubera.
Former NBA basketball player Marcin Gortat and veteran sailor Roman Paszke also received the distinction.
The awards were presented during a gala marking the 70th anniversary of Totalizator Sportowy, Poland’s national lottery operator, which has long sponsored sports and culture.
Sikorski, who also serves as a deputy prime minister, said it was an honour to recognise athletes whose "dedication and achievements extend far beyond sports arenas."
"Sport and culture are among the most effective instruments of soft power available to states today—a power that is soft but highly influential," Sikorski said.
"You help shape Poland’s image around the world, alongside Polish diplomats," he added. "And often you do so more effectively than official statements, through emotion, authenticity and the universal language of sport."
Established in 2009, the Bene Merito award is conferred by the foreign ministry to individuals whose achievements contribute to strengthening Poland’s international position.
(gs)
Source: gov.pl