The “Sokół” Gymnastic Society in the Eastern Borderlands of the Second Polish Republic in the Light of the “Sokół” Gymnastic Guide (1924–1925)

The “Sokół” Gymnastic Guide (Przewodnik Gimnastyczny “Sokół”) was the official organ of the Union of “Sokół” Gymnastic Societies in Poland. In 1924–1925, the journal published articles, materials, and reports regarding the activities of “Sokół” chapters (Pol. gniazda) both in Poland and abroad. A relatively large number of these concerned the Eastern Borderlands of the Second Polish Republic. That area fell within the scope of two “Sokół” districts: Małopolska (Lesser Poland) and Mazowiecka (Mazovia). Some of the articles, reports, and materials focused on the conditions influencing these activities: the state of infrastructure, organization, and the training of instructional staff; initiatives in physical education, sports, military preparation, and educational as well as cultural-educational work. A crucial element of “Sokół” operations was the organization of “Sokół” rallies. In the Eastern Borderlands, the most important such rally was the Borderlands Rally (Pol. Zlot Kresowy) held in Vilnius in June 1924, which significantly influenced the promotion of the “Sokół” ideals, especially in the Vilnius region. The years 1924–1925 represented a period of strengthening organizational structures, some expansion of infrastructure and instructor training, as well as more intensive efforts in the “Sokół” Gymnastic Society chapters.