It will be the second time Poland has operated a national hospitality venue at the Olympics, following the 2024 Summer Games in Paris, state news agency PAP reported.
The Casa Polonia facility will be mounted on a 35-tonne truck and will travel between Milan, Predazzo and Livigno—venues where Polish medal contenders are expected to compete, including speedskaters, ski jumpers and snowboarders.
"Our Polish House in Italy will have a completely new and innovative dimension," said Radosław Piesiewicz, head of the Polish Olympic Committee (PKOl).
He said the venue would include fan and media areas, as well as exhibitions featuring Olympic medals and athletes’ competition outfits.
The Mobile Polish House is expected to cover more than 3,000 kilometres during the Games. Officials said Poland would be the only Olympic team to operate such a travelling facility.
Former Polish biathlete Tomasz Sikora, a silver medallist at the 2006 Turin Games, said the venue would help fans connect with athletes.
"We’ve lacked a space like this, especially for meetings with fans," Sikora said. "The media will always find a way to reach athletes, but for fans it is more difficult."
The Polish Olympic Committee also announced record financial rewards for medallists at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Gold medallists will receive PLN 500,000 (EUR 120,000, USD 140,000) in cash and PLN 250,000 in vouchers. Silver medallists will receive PLN 400,000 in cash and PLN 200,000 in vouchers, while bronze medallists will be awarded PLN 300,000 in cash and PLN 150,000 in vouchers.
Piesiewicz said he hopes Poland will win at least three medals.
"I know the rankings are not very optimistic and the previous Winter Olympics brought only one medal, but I believe everyone knows what they are fighting for," he said.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Italy from February 6 to 22.
(pm/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP