"This is probably the most valuable award," said the captain of the Polish national team as he accepted the honor.
Although Lewandowski was awarded the Order in 2022, the ceremony could only take place now, two years later, due to his extremely busy schedule.
As tradition dictates, every recipient of the Order must drink freshly squeezed lemon juice - while smiling, of course.
The Order of the Smile is an international award, established in 1968 by the editorial team of "Kurier Polski" and inspired by a story shared by writer Wanda Chotomska about a boy who wished to honor his doctor.
This medal, featuring a smiling sun, is awarded by a committee to adults nominated by children worldwide, recognizing those whose actions bring joy or save the lives of young people.
Among the recipients are Pope John Paul II, Pope Francis, the 14th Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, filmmaker Steven Spielberg, and notable Poles involved in charity work, including Janina Ochojska, Jerzy Owsiak, Professor Zbigniew Religa, Ewa Błaszczyk, Anna Dymna, Piotr Fronczewski, Majka Jeżowska, and Marcin Gortat.
"This award is given by you kids, so it’s probably the most valuable one. I wish you never to give up, to fulfill your dreams, to play on the biggest stages, and to do what you are passionate about," Lewandowski emphasized during the ceremony, which coincided with the 65th anniversary of UKS Varsovia, the club where he took his first steps in sports.
Source: IAR/PAP/X/@sport_tvppl/@PR24_pl
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