Iga Swiatek, the current World No. 2 in women’s tennis, has taken a significant step toward shaping the future of young Polish athletes through her foundation. Recently, Swiatek awarded its inaugural five scholarships to promising sports talents, including leading figures across various disciplines. The recipients are Oliwia Sybicka, the top-ranked under-16 tennis player in Poland; Ignacy Andrzejczak, the Under-20 champion in hurdling; Wiktor Chmurski, a member of Poland’s junior national swim team; Liwia Kubin, who boasts multiple medals in junior and senior speed skating; and Jan Pyla, part of the junior national golf team.
In her remarks at a ceremony in Warsaw, Swiatek emphasized the foundation’s mission, saying, “I wanted to create a program that really helps talented athletes on their way. I wanted it to be not only financial support, but also access to knowledge and experts.”
Launched in July 2023, the Iga Swiatek Foundation is dedicated to providing long-term support for the next generation of athletes through both education and sport. With an investment of nearly half a million Polish zloty (about $140,000), the foundation aims to assist these five athletes aged 15 to 22 as they work to build sustainable careers in their respective sports.
The scholarship recipients will receive funding for a year, starting in January, along with guidance from Swiatek’s personal advisory team, which includes a sports psychologist, a physiotherapist, an orthopedic doctor, and specialists in partnerships and public relations. This team brings valuable expertise, reflecting the holistic approach Swiatek believes is essential for athletic development.
During the presentation of the scholarships, the athletes participated in discussions that focused on several important topics, including sponsorship management and personal branding within the sports industry. Swiatek’s advisors have first-hand experience in navigating the complexities involved in building an athlete’s image. This expertise has helped Swiatek, herself, become one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world, ranked third in 2025 behind only Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka.
Towards the end of the evening, a more informal gathering allowed the scholarship winners to interact with the foundation’s team, laying the groundwork for future collaborations. Iga Swiatek shared her excitement on social media, stating, “I’m still energized by the great atmosphere of meeting these talented young athletes. We’re going to do a lot of good work together in the year ahead.”
Through this initiative, Swiatek is not only supporting the immediate needs of these athletes but is also fostering an environment where they can thrive and grow, paving the way for Poland’s next generation of champions.
