The OPEN competition is open to all Polish language enthusiasts, regardless of age. Participation is open to individuals registered in the city of Nowy Sącz or the Nowy Sącz County.The Nowy Sącz Dictation is an excellent opportunity to grapple with the intricacies of Polish spelling, test your knowledge of spelling and punctuation rules, and above all, discover that the Polish language—though sometimes demanding—can be a source of great satisfaction and fun. The Dictation is held under the Honorary Patronage of the Mayor of Nowy Sącz, Ludomir Handzel. 

The author of the dictation text is Professor Andrzej Markowski – an outstanding linguist, professor of humanities, popularizer of knowledge about the Polish language and author of numerous publications on linguistic correctness.Participants will not only face a linguistic challenge, but also receive attractive prizes! The winner of the OPEN dictation will receive the prestigious Pen of the Mayor of Nowy Sącz, Ludomir Handzel, as well as a cash prize of 500 PLN!The event will take place on November 5, 2026 (Thursday) at 5:00 p.m. in the Stanisław Małachowski Representative Hall in the Nowy Sącz Town Hall.

To enter the competition, complete and sign the application form (Appendix 1) and then:deliver it in person to the main building of the Sądecka Public Library at 11 Franciszkańska Street in Nowy Sączsend by e-mail to the addresspromocja@sbp.nowysacz.pl.The deadline for applications is November 4, 2026.Regulations and registration form available on the library website: sbp.nowysacz.plThe official announcement of the dictation winners in all categories and the presentation of awards to the Spelling Bee Champions and Runners-Up will take place on November 16, 2026, during an author's meeting with Professor Andrzej Markowski (5:30 p.m., Sala Ratuszowa, Rynek 1, Nowy Sącz).