It was an absolutely unique Sybir Memorial Run! Not only did it take place in Christchurch, New Zealand, but it also featured the participation of two Sybiraks – members of the ‘Pahiatua Children’: Teresa Jenner and Kazimierz Zając. Both were sent to Siberia as small children and lost their parents there. In 1944, along with a group of over 700 Polish orphans and half orphans, they found refuge in New Zealand. Another distinguished participant in the run was the new head of the Polish Embassy in Wellington, Patryk Błaszczak (Chargé d’Affaires). By taking part in the event, all participants honored the memory of Sybiraks, especially the ‘Pahiatua Children’ who are gone now.

Sybir Memorial Run was held in Christchurch for the seventh time, in addition to those already mentioned, with participants including members of the local Polish Veterans’ Association and their families.

Due to the participation of Teresa and Kazimierz, it was more of a walk than a run, with around 20 people covering a 5 km route along the Otukaikino River. The intense heat was challenging for the walkers, but a light breeze provided some relief. Through the joint walk, the participants emphasized the memory of a shared ancestry, difficult history and the reasons for finding themselves so far from the homeland of their ancestors.

Sybir Memorial Run is a recurring event organized by the Sybir Memorial Museum to commemorate the mass deportations of Polish citizens from Soviet-occupied territories in 1940–1941. In addition to Białystok and Wrocław, Christchurch in New Zealand is one of the locations where the event is held. This year’s run was part of the local celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the arrival of the Polish Pahiatua Children in New Zealand.

The New Zealand edition of the Sybir Memorial Run was held with support from the Polish Embassy and the General Board of the Polish Veterans’ Association in Wellington.