In Poland the 32nd Weight Category National Championships were held on 2-3 April. When information about the death of the Pope reached the Organizing Commitee the second day of Championships was cancelled and it was decided that the semifinals and finals will be postponed to 11 June. On 3 April only an official opening ceremony took place during which shihan Andre Drewniak delivered a short speech on John Paul II as the most outstanding Pole. The Triple World Champion, Ewa Pawlikowska and shihan asked all the fighters and spectators to pay their respects to the late Pope and create a "chain of compassion" for the greatest Pole ever.