Abstract
For the Polish state, the years 1989–1998 were the times of dynamic changes and adaptation to the new political and economic situation. This period shaped the development of physical culture in the area of the province of Opole. The main factors contributing to this development were: the financial means allocated to the tasks linked with physical culture and sport, the activity of local authorities, the activity of local organisations, qualified training-instructing staff, the activity of sports activists and sports infrastructure. The flood of 1997 occurring on the territory of the province of Opole had a catastrophic impact on the state of both already existing sports infrastructure andthe one under construction. Due to the abovementioned factors, the development of sport on the territory of the province of Opole in the years 1989–1998 was irregular. Unfortunately, some sports disciplines disappeared from dynamically operating centres. The activity of the Academic Sports Association in Opole and the Province Association of Folk Sports Teams in Opole in the years 1989-1998 had a tangible impact on spreading sports activity on the territory of the province of Opole. Despite many difficulties, in the years 1989–1998, athletes representing sports clubs from the province of Opole enjoyed success at various levels of sports competition. Members of these clubs were also medalists of the Olympic Games and medalists of the World and European Championships in various age categories (individually and in teams).