Prague 2016 European Capital of Sport

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Mayor’s foreword

One of my main duties as the Mayor of is continuous development of the city, steady enhancement of its public facilities and improvements of the level of services for both the citizens of Prague and its visitors. One of the key areas of this development is the area of sport and its infrastructure which we see not only as a tool for the economic growth of the city, but also as a sensible and healthy way for our citizens to spend their free time. As a long-time sportsman, I myself well know that not only can sport help with physical and mental development, but also strengthen the bonds among the members of a community and improve their relationships. That is also the reason why we support sport and the Olympic values and ideals through a wide variety of promotional events and projects. Our goal is to give people in Prague the opportunity to engage in sports activities and attract to it children and young people who are starting to incline to an unhealthy lifestyle. Primary and secondary schools in Prague have sports grounds, the development and modernization of which is supported through considerable investments. For recreational sportsmen, there are public sports grounds, bike trails, parks and other infrastructure. Prague is also the home of many sport clubs that produced world renowned athletes like Emil Zátopek, Martina Navrátilová or Pavel Nedvěd. These three and many other prominent figures of Czech sport are setting a good example for many people not only in Prague and the , but everywhere else around the world. I am certain that Prague is a good candidate for being the European Capital of Sport for 2016. Receiving this prestigious award would for us and the whole city of Prague mean not only an acknowledgement of our efforts in the development of sport and its integration into everyday life in the city, but also more motivation for continuing in this work. Tomáš Hudeček – Mayor of Prague

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Other supporters of the candidacy

Dalibor Štys – Minister of Education “Prague’s candidacy for European Capital of Sport 2016 is a great opportunity for improving the position of sports in the area of education even further, and as such has my full support.”

Jiří Kejval - President of the Czech Olympic Committee “The values that are represented sport, have undoubtedly had a positive overlap into everyday life. They're just values like fair play, enjoyment of exercise and sharing experiences with others that deserve constant emphasis. Sport and sports infrastructure in Prague based on these values , and therefore the support of my candidacy."

Martin Doktor – Czech Olympic Committee sports director, two-time Olympic winner and world champion in canoe sprint racing “Prague is a city that offers a lot of opportunities not just for water-sports enthusiasts but for everyone no matter what their sport of choice, age or physical condition is.”

Kateřina Neumannová – Olympic winner and world champion in cross-country skiing. “Prague is a beautiful, attractive city with a rich history and a long tradition of sports. The title of the European Capital of Sport is one it undoubtedly deserves.”

Tomáš Rolinek – ice-hockey player, captain of the winning team “I fully support Prague’s candidacy for the European Capital of Sport. I know from my own experience that it is easy to find all sorts of affordable sporting activities for all social groups in the city.”

Lukáš Vorel – European Capital of Sport Association delegate, member of the election committee “I hope that my colleagues will listen to my advice and make the right decision. Prague certainly deserves the title.”

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Presentation of the city of Prague

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General Information

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Major representatives of the Prague city candidature for European Capital of Sport 2016

Oldřich Vlasák – Vice-President of the European Parliament Oldřich Vlasák advocates for the interests of self- governing municipalities, cities and regions in the EU. Volleyball, cycling and sport in general are his passions. He was also working as a volunteer for Mountain Rescue Service for 15 years.

Tomáš Hudeček – Mayor of Prague Tomáš Hudeček is the main representative of the city and is responsible for planning, execution and evaluation of development of the city. He is generally responsible for improvement of the quality of life in the city including sport , culture and leisure time opportunities.

Petr Bříza – Chairman of the Sport Committee Petr Bříza is the chairman of the Prague city Sport Committee. He is responsible for preparation of grant policy and coordination of application process and promotion of sporting possibilities in the city. Petr Bříza is former top ice hockey goalkeeper who won bronze medal at the winter Olympics in Albertville 1992.

Lukáš Manhart – Prague Councilor for Sport Lukáš Manhart is the Prague city Councilor and the main authority of the Sport Department. He is in charge of sport infrastructure development, investments into the sport infrastructure and cooperation with public, private and non- governmental sport clubs and institutions.

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Presentation of the city 1/2

Prague is the capital of the Czech It is precisely this rich cultural heritage and other Republic, the largest city in the Czech free-time activities what attracts millions of Republic and the 15th largest in the EU. It tourists from all around the world every year (in is the seat of the President, the 2012, more than 5 million people visited Government and central state authorities. Prague). But Prague is not just a centre of executive The city’s administration is very well aware of the power. It is also a sporting and economic importance of maintaining and continually centre of the Czech Republic. It houses for increasing the quality of life in Prague and example also the National Museum, State preserving the atmosphere which is the main Opera, the largest state-of-the-art stadiums reason why people visit. That is why in the country, many public parks, an considerable sums of money are being invested important international airport (the Prague into projects that are aimed at maintaining and Václav Havel Airport), Czech National Bank developing cultural life, green areas (ČNB) and many other institutions of both throughout the city, sports infrastructure etc. national and international importance. in the forms of financial support, promotional Prague is a multicultural city that has campaigns, support of local festivals and other more than 1.2 million inhabitants 15% of activities. which are foreigners (among the most Sport in Prague is practised both recreationally common minorities are Germans, and professionally. There is a whole variety of Ukrainians and Vietnamese). sports clubs and associations that actively use Every year, Prague ranks among the 10 the city’s modern sports infrastructure. More than most visited cities in Europe and every year 200,000 Prague citizens are registered it also shows above-average figures when it members of these clubs, but their sports comes to quality of life of its citizens. grounds are available also to the general Its historical city centre with its unique view public. This means that the actual number of of the Prague Castle, the largest complex citizens engaged in sports is much higher. of its kind in the world, is a UNESCO World Jogging, football, skating, swimming and fitness Heritage Site. are among the most popular sports in Prague.

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Presentation of the city 2/2

The uniqueness and appeal of Prague is rooted in its diversity. A visitor who decides to come to Prague to spend Charles Bridge is Prague’s oldest bridge still in existence, his or her free time can take a walk built in the Gothic style in the across centuries and admire the mid-14th century. transformations of European architecture over a thousand years. Students from all countries, and not just the Czech Republic, can attend Prague Castle is one of the oldest universities in the most important heritage site in the Europe and flip through their books in country and one of the ancient halls of the National the largest castle Library. For visitors of congresses and complexes in the conferences, Prague boasts modern world. Many monuments and infrastructure and a Congress artistic marvels can Centre that seats almost 9,000 be found in several people. Simply put, Prague always has of the Castle’s something to offer to all groups of public areas. It is also part of the citizens and visitors. Thanks to Historic Centre of convenient distribution across the city Prague which is and a complex network of public inscribed on the UNESCO World transport (underground, tramways, Heritage List. buses and cable-way), culture, sport, The Prague Congress Centre with a capacity public parks and other ways of of 9,000 people spending leisure time are easily annually holds many accessible to all citizens and visitors. congresses, conferences and The historic building of the Charles University performances. One of the was founded in 1348 and is used to this day dominants of for the ceremony of awarding diplomas and the centre of for hosting lectures. Prague is the baroque St. Nicholas church. Its green tower is an inseparable part of the Prague Castle skyline.

Letná Park is a favourite destination of both locals and visitors of Prague. Apart from ideal A building nicknamed The spots for relaxation it Dancing House is the work of two also has a lot to offer architects, F. Gehry and V. to cyclists, joggers, Milunič. It stands alongside the skateboarders, National Technical Library and skaters and others. The international classical music other buildings as an example of festival Pražské jaro (Prague Prague’s modern architecture. Spring) is an annual showcase of Czech and world artists, music culture and its latest trends.

7 Sport in Prague

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How many people in Prague do actively engage in sports? 1/2

According to public surveys, sport is the most important and most often performed free time activity of Prague citizens. Almost 60% of people, i.e. 750 thousand, are actively involved in sports. Compared to the Czech average, sport is a very popular and often practised activity in Prague.

The most popular sports in Prague are football and fitness. Swimming and jogging are also quite popular, as one third of Prague’s citizens swim or jog at least once a month. The following chart shows the popularity of sports in Prague.

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How many people in Prague are actively engaged in sports? 2/2

Four-fifths of all people actively doing sports use sports grounds provided by the city of Prague, sporting either together with friends or alone. One half of Prague’s citizens do sports with their family, meaning their children or partner.

From a sporting point of view, Prague is a But Prague citizens are not the only ones very active city, particularly when who do sports. Sporting attractiveness is compared to the rest of the country. not Prague’s only asset; it is also the city’s Football, swimming, fitness and jogging are cultural tradition what attracts millions of among the most popular activities. Lately people to come and visit every year. inline skating has become quite popular, Almost 400,000 people commute to Prague which led the local authorities to establish for work, and the city has built popular several new bike trails in the pleasant sporting and recreational infrastructure also environment of several city parks and for them. This infrastructure is also used by the banks of the Vltava river. tourists, of whom 5.4 million came to Prague in 2012 alone.

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How many people in Prague are members of sports clubs, sports teams or other forms of organised sport?

There are 116 sports unions, 35,243 sports clubs and 2,995,684 registered sportsmen (including multiple registrations of a single person) in total in the Czech Republic. Of this, there are 4,800 sports clubs and 408,000 registered sportsmen in Prague. Its share of the overall number of sportsmen in the Czech Republic is therefore considerably above the average of the rest of the country. Prague is also home to 79,310 primary school pupils and 40,186 high school students, i.e. a total of 119,496 young people with mandatory physical education the goals of which are formulated in the framework of educational programmes designed by the Ministry of Education. Alongside registered sportsmen and pupils doing sports as part of their studies, there are another 250,000 unregistered sportsmen who utilise the many freely accessible sports centres, playgrounds, compounds, swimming pools, fitness centres or parks. Thanks to their attractiveness, prestige and their strong economic background, Prague’s sports teams attract the best sportsmen from all over the Czech Republic. This means that in Prague, there is a great concentration of not only top class professional sportsmen, but also talented young people from other parts of the Czech Republic.

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How does Prague support the work of volunteers in the area of sport?

For many sports clubs, associations and Prague also actively supports volunteer work organizations, the work of volunteers in the area of sporting activities of represents a crucial aspect without which physically handicapped people. The city is their activity would not be sustainable due for example the main partner of the to a lack of financial resources. Wheelchair Sports Club Prague that organizes sporting activities of wheelchair users in Prague, particularly in table tennis, floorball, skiing and diving. It is also a partner of the Prague Sports Club for the Deaf that organizes sports events for deaf citizens of Prague in 17 different sports ranging from darts and bowling to athletics and ice hockey. Prague is also an important sponsor and partner of the citizens association Cesta za snem (Way to a Dream). The mission of this Both the City of Prague and the Ministry of project is to promote sporting activities of the Education, Youth and Sports are actively handicapped and to spread the idea that being involved in supporting volunteer work, in a wheelchair is not the end of the world and mainly in the form financial support, but also that it is never too late to start fulfilling one’s through consulting and other support dreams. services for people actively involved in sport. The City of Prague also supports volunteer work in sports clubs through one of its grant programmes which provides among other things also a financial contribution for sports coaches. One of the priorities of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports is “the education of volunteers working for civic associations in the area of sport for everyone”. Another illustration of the city’s support could be the 4 million EUR invested into the reconstruction of sports grounds in Prague. There is also the annual event “The Week of Free Sport” or a special month focused on recruiting children and young people to sports clubs, both sheltered by the Praha Sportovní (Sportive Prague) project which is the main communication channel in Prague in the area of development and support of sport. The Prague Youth Centre financed from the city’s budget organizes volunteer courses for teachers of primary and secondary schools that can take place directly in the schools the teachers work at.

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Does Prague have a plan for sports development? What is the subject and the goal of this plan? 1/2

Local authorities annually announce . Development and system projects of Citywide Sport Support Programmes city-wide importance through which they give out grants. They also organize a similar grant programme for Another project is Praha sportovní (Sportive local sports and also for the individual self- Prague) that besides serving as a governing municipal units (57 altogether). communication and information channel These Citywide Programmes may be also helps by co-organizing sporting adjusted every year according to the current events and promoting sport and all clubs, needs of the city and the requirements of associations, events and projects its citizens. In general, however, support of connected to it. sports by self-governing units is established by the Act on Support of Sport. Investment Another important task of Praha sportovní is plans for the years 2013 and 2014: to prepare an internet information .Operating and renting costs of sports campaign focusing on the city’s many facilities sports grounds and the events and projects that take place in Prague. .Reconstruction and modernization of sports grounds These web pages also offer a list of dozens .Technological improvement of indoor of monthly held sporting events, an swimming pools and ice rinks overview of a hundred sports facilities .Improvements of sports surfaces and clubs, interviews with various personalities from the fields of culture, .Sports events of city-wide, national and science and sports and other interesting international importance taking place in Prague information. .Sport for the handicapped The goal of the project is not to turn Prague citizens only into spectators or fans of .Sport and health projects for the elderly sports, but also to support them in active participation.

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Does Prague have a plan for sport development? What is the subject and the goal of this plan? 2/2

City-wide programmes of sport support in Prague for the years 2013 and 2014:

Subject: Operating and renting costs of sports facilities (indoor swimming pools, ice rinks, other Subject: Sports events of international, national sports facilities and facilities for children and and city-wide importance taking place in Prague young people groups) Goal: Supporting important sporting events of Goal: Support of public sports facilities and groups of international, national or city-wide character in children and young people in Prague through Prague. Eligible costs include prizes, rental of sports financial contribution to the costs of energy, gas and facilities, technical support, promotional items, sound water. The donated amount is calculated from the system renting costs, accommodation and meals for facility’s capacity, economical demands and number participants. of operating hours reserved for the public.

Subject: Sport and health projects for the elderly Subject: Sport for the handicapped Goal: Support of long-term sports and health projects Goal: Support of year-round activities of sports in Prague designed for the elderly (citizens of Prague bodies of handicapped sportsmen (financial over 60 years of age). The assigned financial aid can contributions for assistants and trainers, donations for be used for example for renting sports grounds, buying special equipment and for organizing or technical support, hiring trainers and renting sound participating in sports events). systems and other equipment.

Subject: Development and system projects of city-wide importance Goal: Systematic and sustainable support of sport and its development in Prague. This initiative focuses Subject: Improvements of sports surfaces solely on sports activities of children and young Goal: Enhancing the conditions for sports in Prague people. Projects presented by sports associations or by improving the surfaces of indoor and outdoor by various Prague umbrella organizations are aimed sports grounds and providing some minor equipment at sustaining, broadening and improving their (sports equipment, goals, fences, etc.). membership, conditions of their activities and training. The support is primarily directed towards wage contributions for qualified coaches of young people, purchasing of equipment and partial coverage of direct financial expenses that clubs have.

Subject: Technological improvement of indoor Subject: Reconstruction and modernization of swimming pools and ice rinks sports grounds Goal: Reducing the operating costs of indoor Goal: Preventing failures in the operation of sporting swimming pools and ice rinks through modernization facilities, their reconstruction and modernization. of used technology.

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What role does sport play in your city – with respect to reaching the goals listed in the ACES Manifesto? 1/3

Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, Sport not only brings joy and satisfaction to is without a doubt the cradle of Czech individuals, but also represents an sport. Many world renowned Czech opportunity for local authorities to sportsmen were born in Prague and are improve the quality of social life and inextricably linked to its sports clubs. achieve economical and cultural Prague was also the venue of many development of the city. That is also the historical sports events that recently reason why the city hall has always showed attracted fans from all around the world (the a strong interest in supporting these finals, UEFA Super Cup, World infrastructures and sporting events. Championship U19 basketball finals, But Prague is not only a venue for top-level women’s softball European Championship sporting events and the home of some of or team World the best sports clubs and sportsmen. Championship, to name a few). The Prague is also a city that apart from history and tradition of sport in Prague, professional sports tries to intensely however, is much older than that. support sporting and physical activities Sport permanently entered the lives and for all people regardless of age, gender changed the way of viewing leisure time of or physical abilities. That is why it offers the inhabitants of old Prague at the end of sports activities to everyone, ranging from 19th century. It happened in 1862 when mothers with babies and children of pre- Miroslav Tyrš brought his dream to life and school age to the elderly or handicapped. founded The Sokol Movement. From the An example could be a programme for the beginning, it was a volunteer sports elderly that involves training with association offering different activities professional coaches, is provided free of and cultural events. Since 1882, the charge and combines breathing exercises, movement has been regularly organising stretching and easy work-out. Another Sokol Festivals in Prague, a tradition that alternative could be for example nordic has survived many social and political walking. changes to present day as a phenomenon One of the key principles of sports unparalleled in Europe. development is to keep providing equal opportunities.

The goal of such complex sport support that targets all social groups is renewing the relationship between man and nature, promoting healthy lifestyle and bringing both physical and mental satisfaction and balance.

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What role does sport play in your city – with respect to reaching the goals given in the ACES Manifesto? 2/3

Local authorities realize the key role of social Among other similar events are for example interaction in the life of an individual and actively Prague Mayors Eights ( competition support meetings of representatives of various that has been organised since 1910 and is activities and sports as well as their integration one of the oldest in European history); into society. This helps satisfy their need to international floorball tournament CZECH belong and have friends and creates the feeling OPEN which celebrated its 20th of being a part of something. A proof of just how anniversary in 2012 and which attracts popular and well liked these activities and events professional and amateur players from all are can be the high interest in such meetings. around Europe as of the most prestigious Thanks to these initiatives, people are floorball tournaments in the world; or the rediscovering the happiness that physical oldest road running competition in Europe: the activities bring and many events and tournaments Běchovice–Prague run that has been in become traditions. existence since 1897 and that will take place One of the events that has become quite popular for the 117th time in 2013. with the public and is annually repeated is the It is precisely these types of events that Prague Marathon, a running series highly combine sports ideals and the will of respected by the international athletic federation individual participants to win with moral in which thousands of amateur runners from all values and enforcing the rules of fair play around the world take part every year. not only by young competitors but by all.

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What role does sport play in your city – with respect to reaching the goals given in the ACES Manifesto? (3/3)

Learning to play fair and strengthening Prague is also involved in the “Česko other moral values are some of the city’s sportuje” (The Czech Republic Does main goals that it tries to reach among other Sports) project that was founded under the means through supporting sports projects patronage of the Czech Olympic Committee organized by schools and school sports with a vision of increasing the interest in clubs with cooperation and support of the sport in the young generation whose Schools Sports Club Association. Each year physical abilities are slowly degrading. This throughout the month of September, there project will be inspired by the Olympic are recruitment programmes for these values and will include for example an sports clubs with the goal of encouraging Olympic combined event that will merge children to be active and educate them sports activities with other important areas through sports activities, teaching that of child development. Another supported teamwork and effort are more important event is Tour the Kids in which more than than defeat and victory. Local authorities 2,500 children between the ages of 1 and also try to improve the conditions for 11 participated in 2013. Its goal is to trainers and instructors and in some prepare for children an afternoon well spent cases other volunteers who should have with sport as well as playfully teach them not only theoretical knowledge of the sport the safety hazards of biking. The winners of itself but also various soft skills that are each category will get a yellow jersey just crucial in raising young sportsmen. as they would at a real Tour.

17 Opportunities for sports

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Are there any special sports projects in your city for specific age groups? 1/6

Thanks to a rich sports infrastructure and More than 4,800 sports clubs and long sporting tradition, it is possible to do organizations are accessible to young adults virtually any sport in Prague. Local in Prague, specialising in various forms of authorities focus on ensuring that as far as team-based and individual sports. The city city infrastructure is concerned, all social itself is also involved in supporting young groups from mothers with children to the people. The list of most supported modern elderly or handicapped have enough sports includes beach volleyball, which across opportunities to do sports in their city. the Czech Republic has the highest per- There are 712 sports grounds in Prague, 55 capita popularity in Prague, together with of which are outdoor swimming pools, 33 floorball, lacrosse, bowling, t-ball and others. indoor swimming pools including spa and Young sportsmen can also take advantage of fitness pools, 53 sports arenas, 12 ice rinks, numerous public areas such as city parks and 255 playgrounds and 304 gyms. multifunctional indoor and outdoor facilities. Children and youth Day camps are also organized regularly in Prague, are aimed mainly at young people Sport and movement in general are very between the ages of 3 and 18. Here the important parts of life. That is particularly participants have the opportunity to take part true for children and adolescents and does in any of the day-long activities either in the not apply only to sport on the professional, form of one specific sport or multiple different but also on the recreational level. Sport is sports of their choice. beneficial not just for physical health and fitness, but also for mental health of Traditional organizers of these events are children. It also helps socially integrate besides private subjects all of Prague’s Youth children from all demographic and ethnic Centres. These centres play an important groups of society. part in organizing courses of amateur sports and also arrange day camp workshops for sports teams.

Prague also annually organizes the A wide range of sporting activities is “POPRASK”, the Mayor’s Cup awarded to prepared for the youngest inhabitants in the most versatile sports school in Prague. Prague. All around the city there are freely Ninety percent of Prague’s primary and accessible playgrounds, 546 of them secondary schools take part in this altogether, swimming pools for children, competition. indoor and outdoor water parks, various activities for children (organized by Youth Centres or other organizations) and other sports grounds in public parks, playgrounds or publicly accessible facilities. Most pools and other sports facilities in Prague offer discounts for children, students and the elderly with the purpose of benefiting potentially excluded groups.

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Are there any special sports projects in your city for specific age groups? 2/6

As part of the promotion of sport for young various tricks and above all the connection people, Prague also organizes national with the attractive environment of the and international sports competitions streets, modern music and fashion, for young adults. An example could be the streetball has the same charm and effect on Prague Halloween Basketball Cup 2013, today’s youth as skateboarding or an international boys’ and girls’ tournament snowboarding. in the U14 age category. This tournament is There are also swimming lessons under organized as an unofficial European the supervision of a professional trainer, Union Capitals Championship. All 28 organized for the pupils of first years of capitals of the European Union member primary schools at a minimum of 20 hours countries get invited alongside teams from per school year. Secondary education also countries that are on the waiting list includes a mandatory skiing course and (Turkey, Serbia), and a selected in some cases also canoeing courses. team from the Czech Republic. Among the organizing members are the Czech streetball association in cooperation with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), Czech Basketball Association and Prague City Assembly. The annual Prague Primary School Streetball Cup is another example of sport support among young adults, organized under the patronage of the Prague City Assembly. Streetball as the street variant of basketball, played outdoors on playgrounds and gyms all around the world, is one of the most attractive ways of promoting sport and a healthy lifestyle among children and young adults. Thanks to a smaller number of players, more relaxed rules, spontaneity and playfulness of the players,

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Are there any special sports projects in your city for specific age groups? 3/6

The Sokol Association is a very influential force in the organisation of sports events for children and young people as the largest Czech citizens association with almost 190,000 members who voluntarily do sports and physical activities as part of their focus on versatility. Sokol is a volunteer non-profit organization whose members (officials, trainers, etc.) do this work in their spare time and for free. It was founded in Prague in 1862 with a focus on gymnastic equipment exercises, jumps and wrestling, later complemented with rowing, swimming, shooting and fencing. The history of Sokol is therefore long and rich and, with the exception of an interruption of activities during the Communist years, remains alive to this day. In Prague alone, there are 65 clubs of the Sokol Movement. Mandatory school attendance for young people in primary schools (6–15 years of age) and secondary schools (15–19 years) includes obligatory physical education. At the vast majority of schools, students also have the opportunity to participate before and after their lessons in voluntary sports courses above the framework of the mandatory physical education curriculum. A very popular festival among children is Adults the “Sporťáček” Festival of Sport for Children. Financially supported by the city Adults have an opportunity to utilise the of Prague, it is freely accessible to all city’s numerous freely available sports children who can try out 50 different sports facilities, join a sports organization of their or take part in organized tournaments. choice or do sports on their own in public areas (forest parks Ladronka, Stromovka, Krč, Hostivař and many others). One of the most popular sports in Prague is running. Every year in the very centre of Prague, the International Prague Marathon is organised as an event that was attended by 9,500 people in 2013 and has received the golden seal of quality from the IAAF. Another annually organized event is Sport Expo, promoting jogging and a healthy lifestyle and also offering for example feet diagnostics, cardiological screening etc. An important role in the support of running is also played by the Run Czech initiative.

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Are there any special sports projects in your city for specific age groups? 4/6

Biking is another favourite activity of Prague’s Seniors citizens. In 2012 there were more than 200 In the interest of preventing exclusion of thousand sports and recreational bikers and the elderly and promoting a healthy and 118 thousand road bike racers in Prague. active lifestyle, the city of Prague provides a Prague has a wide network of bike trails with very wide offer of sporting activities for a total length of 145 km, connected to seniors. Sport is very beneficial for the elderly not only in terms of physical, but hundreds of kilometres of additional bike trails also mental health. It improves their social in the city’s environs. Considerable funds are integration, helping them to become a part also invested every year into the building of of society. new bike trails and reconstruction of old ones. The city of Prague takes part in this process Sporting activities are practised not only at primarily by offering sporting activities traditional sites but also on the beaches along specially designed for the elderly. the Vltava river (e.g. Žluté lázně and Participation in these activities is financed Loděnice) where people come to do volleyball from the city’s funds and is free of charge for seniors. and football and other beach sports. Thousands of Prague citizens are members of the Prague Association Sport for Everyone, an umbrella organisation covering almost all thinkable forms of sport. Most groups offer an opportunity of sporting activities not only to their members but also to the general public. For adrenaline and air sports enthusiasts, the Letňany Airport annually organises the Hotpepper’s Aerobatic Freestyle Challenge. It is a “world-class event during which the best pilots in the world and the fastest acrobatic planes will compare their strengths and will perform tricks that defy the laws of physics.” And let us not forget fire-fighting sports organized by professional and volunteer fire- fighters. Fire-fighting sport is part of specialized physical training for members of regional fire departments and employees of corporate fire departments.

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Are there any special sports projects in your city for specific age groups? 5/6

Other opportunities for the elderly in Prague Handicapped people include the Senior Sporting programme Intentional sporting activities are very designed by the Institute of Physical Health important for handicapped people who and Sport of the Czech Technical University often have restricted mobility. A general in its lifelong education programme or goal of the city of Prague is universal self- regular rehabilitation and recuperative development leading to partial or full exercises for citizens over the age of 50 restoration of self-sufficiency as the under the leadership of a qualified trainer prerequisite for a valuable personal, family offered by some parts of Prague. and social life. Sokol also offers the Seniors in Motion Socializing influences of movement are programme and the newly constructed very important. Social contacts and roles sporting and recreational Rotunda Centre are established, fostering a sense for group for the Locomotor System which is objectives, self-discipline and more. directed at resolving problems with motor skills. Prague actively supports sports activities of the handicapped. A proof of this can be the There are many other organizations in the fact that Prague is the main partner of the private sector in Prague that focus on the Czech Handicapped Sportsmen elderly. The Elpida Senior Centre is Association. This association is the largest among the most important ones, offering of its kind in the Czech Republic and is among others fitness exercises and other among else responsible for Czech sporting activities like yoga, nordic walking, representation at the Summer and Winter chi-kung and more. Paralympic Games (in 2012, Czech Prague also annually organizes a very handicapped sportsmen won 11 medals) popular Weekend of Sports Games for and for organizing various sports events for Seniors. This event promotes integration of handicapped people. older people into sports and movement activities and gives them a chance to meet Prague also hosts a number of national and new people and compare their abilities international sports events for handicapped to their peers. people, for example the Paracycling European Cup organized under the Besides these events, there is a large patronage of Prague City Assembly, a number of open air activities available in cross-country handicapped race in Prague Prague, mainly in city parks. The Prague 4 4 or the Prague Wheel Open floorball Senior Sport Park, for example, is quite tournament. popular among the elderly.

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Are there any special sports projects in your city for specific age groups? 6/6

Prague is the main partner of the Prague Wheelchair Sports Club that is responsible for organizing sporting activities of wheelchair users in Prague, particularly in table tennis, floorball, skiing and diving, . 0–3: Playgrounds and swimming as well as of the Prague Hearing Impaired pools for children, parks. Sports Club that organizes sports events . 3–6: Kindergartens, swimming in 17 different branches of sport. pools and water parks for children, playgrounds, sporting Prague is also an important partner of the events and tournaments. citizens association Cesta za snem (Way to a Dream). The mission of this project is . 6–14: Thousands of sports clubs for beginners, organized sporting to promote sporting activities of the tournaments. handicapped and to spread the idea that . 15–26: Freely accessible being in a wheelchair is not the end of playgrounds, parks, outdoor the world and that it is never too late to swimming pools, sports clubs, start fulfilling one’s dreams. The tournaments, public sporting objective of this project is to concentrate events, bike trails. information on sporting activities for . 27–49: Leisure time sporting physically disabled people within the events, tournaments, bike trails, fire-fighters’ sporting events and Sportive Prague portal and at the same many others. time to prepare events where people with . 50+: Bike trails, sporting events, disabilities could engage with the fully able. open air areas, fire fighters’ The four main steps for achieving this goal sporting events. are to complete the current database of . 70+: Sporting events for the sporting facilities and information about elderly, freely accessible sports barrier-free access and assistance, to equipment in public open air create an online survey to determine the areas, reduced entrance fees to sports facilities for the elderly. needs of the handicapped, to organize sporting activities and motivational events throughout the year and to prepare four major sports events a year.

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Who offers these sports opportunities? 1/4

In Prague, sport opportunities are primarily offered by non-profit organizations which are united under the Prague section of the Czech Union of Sport, 26 sports federations with their 550 clubs and associations, three districts of the Czech Sokol Movement, which include 62 individual Sokol groups, Prague Association Sport for All with 17 thousand members and Association of School Sports Clubs with 9.5 thousand members in Prague. Schools and churches also play an important role in offering sports opportunities. Sports clubs Prague is very rich in sports clubs of which there are almost five thousand. Their focus is very diverse, ranging from football AC Sparta Praha VK Blesk and ice hockey through water sports to Association Club Sparta Praha is The history of Blesk dates back to skiing or figure-skating. Some of the best an umbrella organisation of twenty the very beginnings of rowing in the known are Sparta Praha and Slavia Praha sports clubs developing the Czech Republic. It started with Mr. K. which is also the oldest football club in tradition of the AC Sparta club B. Kober, an enthusiastic sportsman Prague (founded in 1892). founded already in 1893, including the football club AC Sparta Praha and rower who was the vice- Other well-known clubs with a large which acquired five titles in the last president of the Czech Rowing and membership base and rich sports tradition ten league seasons as well as the Skating Club in Prague (ČVBK) include e.g. the ČLTK tennis club that ice hockey club HC Sparta Prague founded in 1875. The custom at the celebrated its 120th anniversary on 29 which won the Czech time was such that the clubs Championship eight times. The August 2013; Bohemians club, founded associated individuals or groups other clubs within AC Sparta Praha already in 1905; BLESK rowing club, owning ships and boats and these founded in 1879; and TJ , include a basketball, floorball, rugby and athletics club and crews had their own captains, flags which currently brings together athletes fourteen more. and names of ships. As part of from sixteen different sports branches. Dukla Praha ČVBK, two teams were created: the Slavia Praha first was named Orlice and the The club, founded in 1948 as a second, founded in spring 1876, was SK Slavia Praha is the oldest football club military sports association, is today in the Czech Republic, originally founded as divided into two independent clubs BLESK led by Mr. Kober. a cycling union in Prague in 1892 by the – the Dukla Army Sports Centre patriotic student association called the (departmental sports centre of the “Literary and Oratorical Club Slavia”. In Ministry of Defence and the training terms of acquired league titles, Slavia is grounds of 22 Czech Olympic historically the second most successful champions) and TJ Dukla (consisting of sixteen clubs the Czech professional football club. There are most successful of which are several clubs bearing the same name, engaged in athletics, swimming, including basketball, handball, ice hockey handball, football and more). and rowing teams as well as clubs from seven more branches of sports.

25

Who offers these sport opportunities? 2/4

Non-profit organizations Church organizations The main non-profit organization organising Sports opportunities are also offered by sports events is the Sokol Movement, church organizations; one of the most which is the largest Czech citizens important is Orel – Christian Sports association. Its almost 190,000 members Organization with 7 groups in Prague. The voluntarily do sports and physical priority of Orel’s sports activities is sport for activities as part of their focus on all, so sporting activity is not focused on versatility. There are sixty-five separate specific disciplines, but rather on varied Sokol groups in Prague alone. branches of sports. The activities of Orel Other non-profit organizations mainly focus are based on the participation of on organizing sports activities for the volunteers who work with children and elderly, disabled people and other young people in their spare time. Orel potentially socially excluded groups. The puts great emphasis also on the education main partner of these organizations is the of trainers and coaches. More than 300 city itself. These organizations include e.g. members of Orel attended trainings for the Prague Wheelchair Sports Club, coaches and trainers in past years. Sporting Prague Deaf Sports Club or Sports Club activities of individual units and regions are of the Jedlička Institute in Prague. supported with the organisation of almost 40 central events.

26

Who offers these sports opportunities? 3/4

Kindergartens Schools Prague seeks to offer the widest range of In Prague, there are 516 schools including sports opportunities to children on the primary and secondary schools, higher grounds that the child itself will choose the education institutes, universities and sport he or she wants to pursue. For this conservatories. All of the primary and reason, the city supports versatile sports secondary schools (444 in total) offer sports education in its kindergartens. facilities for their pupils, both for compulsory physical education and for voluntary sporting activities. There are special sports schools or programmes with an emphasis and focus on sport for talented and determined sportsmen of Prague. These schools include e.g. the Secondary School of Economics with Focus on Sport, Jeseniova Elementary School or Přípotoční Grammar School. The latter focuses also on talented sportsmen and gifted students from Prague and its environs. The core sports are athletics, swimming, basketball, volleyball and In Prague, there are 335 kindergartens triathlon. The daily school routine in these (managed by various types of institutions), classes is optimized for the needs of attended by 35,239 children between the sports training. Expert knowledge may be ages of 3 and 6 years. The average acquired in the course of Theory of Sports number of children per class is twenty- Training; by successfully completing this four. course, students acquire a coaching In addition to traditional kindergartens, licence, 3rd class, for the appropriate sport. there are also several kindergartens with The training process is based on a long- a focus on sports in Prague. These term plan of the grammar school entailing include e.g. the Beruška Sport and Art sixteen to seventeen hours a week. The Kindergarten where the education monthly programme of sports training programme is designed with a varied for each training group is then compiled playful schedule enriched by seasonal from this plan. Cooperation between sporting and cultural activities such as schools and sports clubs of the swimming, skating, horseback riding, visits corresponding core sports is also very of theatres, cultural and sporting important (with the Slavia Praha club in programmes or day trips. athletics; USK Prague, Vyšehrad, Sokol Nusle, Sokol Prague in basketball; OLYMP Prague, ČZÚ Prague in volleyball; USK Prague and Bohemians Prague in swimming; SPORTPRESTIGE Prague in triathlon etc.). Prague also financially supports the high-quality and renowned Nad Štolou grammar school which combines classical secondary school education and intensive sports activities including the teaching of sports theory.

27

Who offers these sports opportunities? 4/4

Companies for their employees How to take care of your own health and healthy lifestyle is becoming an increasingly commonly discussed topic not only among white-collar workers, but people in general. It is therefore commendable that there is an increasing number of companies which do not perceive sport as only a leisure activity, but who know how to use the positive influence and atmosphere of sports for the development of the company. Sport offers in a natural and effective format the exact thing that many companies seek in their employees: enthusiasm, teamwork, persistence and other values which are transferable to the corporate Sportive Prague environment. The Praha sportovní (Sportive Prague) Prague also has a very active Association of initiative also has an enormous importance Corporate Sports and Health which actively in terms of the promotion of sports events works with a vision to positively affect the and of sport in Prague as a whole. business environment in the Czech Republic Sportive Prague is a project whose aim is by involving as many companies and their to help sporting activities in Prague by employees as possible in sports activities. organizing sports events supported by Commercial entities (providers) the city and by collaborating with the There is a countless number of commercial owners of Prague sports facilities to entities providing sports opportunities in harmonize the dates of their projects with Prague. A wide range of options is available other sports facilities. primarily in the area of fitness centres (of An important goal of Sportive Prague is to which there are more than 200 in Prague) and provide information about all sports water parks (the largest one being Aquapalace facilities, sports events and projects that Prague). There are 55 swimming pools and take place in the city and receive financial outdoor swimming pools, 33 indoor swimming support from its budget. pools, 27 sports arenas and 12 ice rinks in The Sportive Prague website offers a Prague. database of dozens of sports events taking Another group of commercial entities offering place in the capital every month, hundreds sports enjoyment are bowling centres, of of sports facilities and sports clubs and which there are more than forty in Prague. interviews with interesting personalities of Prague culture and sport. Commercial entities together with sports clubs also organize sports competitions and Examples of the results of the Sportive championships. One of the best-known Prague project include events such as The examples is the McDonald’s Cup, the largest Week of Free Sport, Research of Sport in football tournament for primary school the Capital City of Prague, Month of pupils. Almost 85,000 boys and girls Sports Club Recruitment or the Database between the ages of 6 and 11 years play in of Sports Facilities, Sports Clubs and the tournament divided into two age groups. Sports Events which contains over 1,300 The McDonald's Cup is played on 3,589 records, making it by far the largest primary schools in the Czech Republic with database of its kind. The website of more participating every year. In 2013, the Sportive Prague is available at overall winner was Elementary School Eden www.prahasportovni.cz . in Prague.

28

Do these sports opportunities have any quality criteria?

Prague qualitatively divides offered sports Opportunities with city-wide significance into four categories, namely into sports are in particular sports events of smaller opportunities and possibilities of: clubs and local tournaments, other sports .international significance; competitions or active leisure activities in public areas. Infrastructure for these .national significance; opportunities includes the Rohaňský Ostrov .city-wide significance; Driving Range, Park Holiday Benice, Tennis Resort Panorama or Ladronka Park. .local significance. Prague provides a very rich offer of events of international significance, including for example the World Hockey Championship, UEFA Super Cup, Davis Cup Finals, Fed Cup Finals or regular international tournaments such as the , Prague International Marathon or Floorball Czech Open. There is sufficient infrastructure prepared for these sports events, in particular the O2 Arena and Synot Tip Arena. Considerable funds have also been invested into golf courses in Opportunities with local significance Prague in recent years (Golf Resort Black mostly entail smaller, recreational sporting Bridge, Golf Club Hodkovičky). activities or unofficial friendly matches for example in school gyms, on small football pitches or swimming pools, etc. These include also the Outdoor Sports Grounds in Prague 6, Multi-purpose Sports Grounds Na Vypichu, Sport Park for the Elderly in Prague 4 and others.

Opportunities with national significance include the rowing competition The Prague Mayors Eights, Czech Derby in Velká Chuchle or the Prague Championship; these events take advantage of the extensive infrastructure prepared for national competitions, such as the Nikolajka ice stadium, Generali Arena, Tennis Club Štvanice, Golf Hostivař and more.

29

Does your city offer opportunities for education in sport? (e.g. for coaches, teachers)

The educating of trainers in Prague is a part of the national system of trainer education in which a licence for the highest coaching category can be granted only by the sole authorized entity, the Faculty of Physical Education and Sport at the Charles University in Prague. Other levels of coaching classes are granted by entities accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport. This Ministry has established a special commission for accreditation of educational programmes in the area of physical education and sport. This system of accreditation for educational programmes in the area of physical education and sport creates the conditions necessary for granting trainer and lecturer qualifications for the needs of sports federations and organizations. It also gives an opportunity to all potential candidates from the professional community interested The city also organizes the Prague Sports in obtaining the necessary qualifications Summit. This meeting was inspired by similar or in becoming involved in physical and foreign events which have a long tradition and sport education. The most important role indisputably contribute to the development in the education of sport is performed by of sport in individual cities and regions. sports federations of the Czech Union of Sport, Czech Sokol Movement and the Numerous celebrities not only from the field of Prague Association Sport for All, which sports take part in the Prague Sports Summit organize training courses, training schools and enrich it with their presentations. In 2011, and seminars. the list of participants included e.g. the Czech Olympic Committee President Jiří Kejval, former To students who are interested in sport, top decathlete Robert Změlík, well-known heart Prague can also offer several primary and surgeon Jan Pirk, ice hockey coach Marian secondary schools with special emphasis Jelínek and former national ice hockey and focus on sports studies. goalkeeper Petr Bříza. This summit does not only offer lectures given by specialists and prominent personalities from the Prague sporting environment, but because its participants consist mostly of people from the field who work at schools or in sports clubs, it is also a good place for feedback and discussion. The Prague Youth Centre, which is fully funded by the city, also organizes volunteer courses for primary and secondary school teachers. There is also a number of private entities providing lectures and seminars for coaches and other stakeholders.

30

Do these organizations receive subsidies from your city? If so, how?

The Capital City of Prague considers the Prague also provides long-term support to support of sports one of its priorities and major sports events. Some of them are part of devotes considerable resources to the the programme titled Partnership of the construction of new infrastructure as Capital City of Prague. Examples of such well as renewal of existing events include the Prague International infrastructure. The latter category is Marathon, consisting of several races of various covered by grant programmes for sports age and performance groups, the Primátorky support. In 2010, the city invested 4 million rowing competition, the Canoe Slalom World EUR into the reconstruction of sporting Cup on the water canal in Troja and the Josef facilities, of which 2.4 million EUR was Odložil Memorial Trophy international athletic used for the reconstruction of the meeting. infrastructure of sporting clubs and Prague sponsored more than 100 sports events associations, 0.5 million EUR for the organized by sports clubs and associations reconstruction of sports grounds of during first nine months of 2013. These included schools in Prague and 1.1 million EUR for the Canoe World Championship, Basketball the reconstruction of sporting grounds Men’s U19 World Championship, Prague Open of individual city districts. (tennis tournament for men), Sparta Prague In addition to that, Prague also spent 0.9 Open (tennis tournament for women), Prague million EUR on extraordinary investment Games (international floorball tournament for support for all these entities. During 2010, youth) as well as smaller events for young a total of 162 sports facilities were people or for the public such as the renovated. The city financially supported International Easter Youth Tournament, the reconstruction of a public playground in tournament of beach volleyball called the the Prosek neighbourhood; of a school Super Cup and a Prague Championship in sports facility of Elementary School Dancesport. Over the 9 months of 2013, the Dolákova in Prague 8; of changing rooms city of Prague contributed a total of about 1.1 of SK Union Vršovice; of football turf field of million EUR towards the organization of sports FK Dukla Prague and many other projects. events. More events will be receiving support In 2011, Prague’s investment in sport before the end of the year (e.g. the increased by 9% to 8.9 million EUR in total. Championship of Acrobatic Rock and Roll in Formation or International Electric Wheelchair Floorball Tournament called “Touch the Ball”).

31 Sport infrastructure

32

How many sports facilities are available in Prague?

Sufficient sport infrastructure and high- During 2010, a total of 162 sports facilities quality sports equipment are the were reconstructed, either partially or in full, fundamental prerequisites for 131 of them for physical education and successful development of sport in any sports clubs and 31 at schools or in city in the world. Partially also due to a public areas intended for sport long-time sporting tradition and growing activities. The city financially supported for investments in the development of sports example the reconstruction of a public infrastructure, Prague boasts a number of playground in the Prosek neighbourhood; of modern arenas and sports facilities a school sports facility of Elementary intended for sports events of major School Dolákova in Prague 8; of changing importance as well as for recreational and rooms of SK Union Vršovice; of universal amateur sport. sports grounds with sand surface of TJ Many sports halls and arenas managed by Tatran Střešovice; of the roof of the Na Prague meet the highest functional Balkáně gym run by TJ Sokol Žižkov II; and requirements and standards of of football turf field of FK Dukla Prague. international sports federations and as such The city of Prague offers a large number of can host top sports events of international sports grounds and various facilities for importance. both recreational and championship or Despite its good current standards, professional purposes. There are currently investment into the sports infrastructure still 712 sporting facilities in Prague, 55 of remains one of the main priorities of the which are swimming pools and outdoor city. Financing of the construction of the swimming pools, 33 indoor swimming pools infrastructure combines funds from the local including hotel and fitness pools, 53 sports government and state budget, contributions halls, 12 ice rinks, 255 sport grounds and from EU funds and extrabudgetary funds 304 gyms. within the framework of public and private Kind of sports Amount partnership. stadiums over 5000 spectators 8 track and field oval 116 football 215 - from inside artificial grass 48 baseball 9 softball 12 rugby 5 hockey 3 riding stables 18 golf course 7 golf simulator 8 hockeyball, florball 5 cyclocross 4 cycling stadium 1 tenis 268 handball 62 voleyball including beach course 188 pools 41 multi-purpose municipal hall 5 sports hall 53 gym hall 304 ice stadiums 8 squash 37 fitness center 74 climbing wall 21

33

Sport infrastructure – Multinational 1/2

Name: O2 Arena Location: Prague, Czech Republic The Eden Arena is used not only for football Year of completion: 2004 games but also for other cultural and sports events. Thanks to its good acoustic Capacity: 18,000 for concerts; 17,360 for properties, it is also a popular venue for ice hockey; 16,805 for basketball concerts. The first music band to test the Interesting technological feature: unique arena less than a month after its opening roof construction was the famous Metallica. O2 Arena Prague is one of the most Troja sport canal modern buildings of its kind in the Troja sport canal (Centre of Water Sports in world. It was originally built for the Ice Prague – Troja) is a Prague sporting facility Hockey Championship which took place in on the Vltava river designed for water the Czech Republic in 2004. slalom and rafting. The canal was formerly The external cladding made of special glass a timber pass of the Troja weir. This with microscopic layers of precious metals artificial wild water canyon is operated by is 420 meters long. Space occupied by the the USK Prague Club. arena could fit Prague’s St. Vitus Cathedral Due to its location on the non-freezing three times. With almost 3,000 seats in Vltava river in the middle of the Czech restaurants, bars and cafés, the O2 Arena capital, the canal is in year-round is also the biggest dining facility in the operation. Czech Republic. Name: Eden Arena Location: Prague, Czech Republic Year of completion: 2008 Capacity: 21,000 sitting spectators Eden Arena is one of the stadiums that regularly host home games of the national football team of the Czech Republic. This is partially because of its location in the centre of Prague and the fact that it is one of the most modern football stadiums with the largest capacity in the Czech Rep.

34

Sport infrastructure – Multinational 2/2

Tennis facility Štvanice is also the oldest and most prestigious club in the Czech Republic, founded already in 1893. It is located on the Štvanice Island in the center of Prague, providing easy access to parking and public transport. The club annually organizes many sports and social events for its members. It also hosts a year-round tennis tournament for recreational players called Tecnifibre Non Profi Cup, where anyone can compete with other members of the club. Name: Generali Arena Prague City Golf (Zbraslav) Location: Prague, Czech Republic The golf facility in Zbraslav in the southwest Year of reconstruction: 2005 of Prague and its high quality equipment Capacity: 19,784 spectators offers ideal conditions for golf enthusiasts of all levels. The 18-hole The football stadium in Prague Letná is used course with championship parameters is a by football club AC Sparta Praha for its home good test of skill for even the most games as well as by the Czech national experienced players; an unconventional 8- football team. In addition to the main pitch, hole course, driving range and the large the site also hosts a smaller sports ground putting green called the Himalayas with 18 which is used by young sportsmen and for “holes” provide an excellent opportunity to training purposes. improve the skills of players. The course was designed by German golf professional with Czech roots Alex Čejka and experienced British architect Jeremy Ford. The 18-hole championship course with a length of 6,278 meters is located only a 15- minute drive from the centre of Prague. The course is suitable for recreational players as well as for professional tournaments due to high-quality facilities and excellent care.

Tennis facility Štvanice Tennis facility Štvanice is one of the largest and most modern tennis facilities in the Czech Republic. There are 13 outdoor clay tennis courts (3 of them floodlit), 1 tennis court with Rebound Ace hard surface and 2 tennis courts in the hall. There are 10 indoor tennis courts (7 of them with an artificial surface and 3 with clay) used in winter. The central tennis court has a capacity of 8,000 spectators.

35

Sport infrastructure – National 1/2

Name: Arena Sparta Podvinný Mlýn Curling Arena Prague Roztyly Location: Prague, Czech Republic The curling arena offers perfect comfort of Year of completion: 2008 four curling sheets, facilities with changing rooms and a club with a Capacity: 3,000 restaurant offering a view of the ice surface. Multifunctional object Arena Sparta Curling is played in the arena by Podvinný Mlýn in Libeň, Prague 9, is a competitive players, juniors, disabled suitable venue for organizing various curlers and recreational players from the cultural, sports and social events. The general public. arena offers not only a large hall, but also Curling is a sport suitable to all age groups other smaller spaces, a restaurant, and despite the fact that each stone weighs lounges and sufficient facilities. There is nearly twenty kilograms, it can be also a car park and a grassy sports field on successfully played even by children at the the premises. age of eight. In addition to events organized by sports Curling has more than seventeen years of clubs, the hall can also be rented for other history in the Czech Republic and also types of occasions. thanks to this excellent facility, Prague Some of the most popular events hosted by has become the centre of curling in the hall are the Floorball G2 Cup or floorball . matches between the Sparta and Bohemians teams. Juliska Stadium Juliska Stadium is an athletic and football stadium in Prague. It was opened in the summer of 1960 and is owned by the Army of the Czech Republic. In the past, the capacity of the stadium was up to 28,800 seats, but is presently limited to 8,150 for football games. It is the home stadium of FK Dukla Praha, but is also used for the preparation of other athletes from ASC Dukla.

36

Sport infrastructure – National 2/2

Baseball Facility SK Krč The SK Krč Praha facility offers five playing fields for baseball and softball, a multi-purpose hall, a club bar, a shop with softball and baseball equipment, social facilities and adjacent parking. The sports grounds hold many events and tournaments on the professional level with international participation (European Championship or World Championship) as well as on less competitive levels or for young people. The best known and biggest international event held by the club on a regular basis is Prague – Velká Chuchle Racecourse the Prague Baseball Week. During this This race stadium is one of the most week, teams from USA, Europe and prestigious and oldest in the Czech regularly meet in Krč. Republic. The capacity is 4,000 seats on the covered grandstand, 10,000 standing places and 800 VIP seats. The racetrack in Prague – Velká Chuchle was ceremonially opened back in 1906. After 1989, all entities involved in racing were gradually privatised and the activities of the Jockey Club were renewed. Today, the Czech Derby takes place in Velká Chuchle together with many other prestigious horse races. Tipsport Arena With the help of artificial snowing, the site Tipsport Arena is a multifunctional hall in can become a modern cross-country skiing Prague. It was built between 1953– 1962 course in the winter, with artificial lighting and is used by HC Sparta Praha and HC and tracks maintained by a snowmobile. Lev Praha (playing in the Continental Hockey League) for ice hockey matches. Various concerts and presentations also take place in this arena. The hall was hosting the Ice Hockey World Championships in 1972, 1978, 1985 and 1992 and the Davis Cup Finals in 1980.

37

Sport infrastructure – City 1/3

Black Bridge Golf Resort Thanks to the rapidly increasing popularity of golf in recent years, Prague now offers a number of high-quality golf resorts. The Black Bridge Golf Resort is one of the most modern. This resort is spread over a total area of 75.06 ha to the south of the Černý Most neighbourhood. While building this resort, rough fieldwork was carried out using excavated soil and material brought in from various excavations and from road, engineering and construction projects realized in Golf Hostivař surrounding districts in the east of Prague. Golf Hostivař is a modern golf resort As such, the resort also doubles as a offering its customers the possibility of top landfill of inert material with all the training as well as playing golf. With a consequences for landscape character, unique location directly in Prague and a scenery, nature and the environment, the high quality of provided services, Golf terrain of which was then reshaped and Hostivař has gained more than 10 thousand turned into a golf course. regular customers among golfers of all levels during the years of its existence. It has also become a popular area offering a wide range of options for corporate clients who use it for all sorts of business activities. The Golf Hostivař resort also offers facilities on a very high level and retains a very good image especially among more experienced players.

Rohanský Island Driving Range The golf resort on Rohanský Island serves for practice; it offers basic introduction to golf and the opportunity to practice and develop golf skills already acquired. Visitors of the area can play on golf carpet grass or real grass, practice putting and chipping and play the game on green and bunker. There is also a rental service and a golf school. A new clubhouse was opened in spring 2011 and the number of covered teeing-grounds was almost doubled.

38

Sport infrastructure – City 2/3

It received a significant award in 2010 when Tennis Resort Panorama it was selected as the sixth best wellness This sports facility is situated in the beautiful hotel in Europe. surroundings of the Košíře-Motol nature The resort is also proud of its original park. architecture, dating from the beginning of The visitors of this facility can use 11 courts the previous century, for which it won the in the summer and 3 indoor courts in the prestigious title of Building of the Year in winter. All outdoor courts and the whole 2008. area have been newly fenced during Its location in a picturesque corner of the the season; extensive gardening Botič-Milíčov nature park in the southern tip refurbishments also took place. A thorough of Prague also provides many other reconstruction of the main clubhouse has opportunities for various outdoor activities. also been carried out. Tennis Club Sparta Prague The current appearance of the TK Sparta Prague facility is the result of an extensive reconstruction carried out after the devastating floods of 2002. There are 16 outdoor courts and 3 indoor courts with hard surface available in the summer. In the winter, there are 9 indoor tennis courts ready for use. The local gym and services of a top physiotherapist are available all year round. Tennis club TK Sparta Praha that operates this facility was funded in 1905 and is Park Holiday Benice ranked among the most prestigious tennis Park Holiday Benice is a recreation clubs in the Czech Republic. Many tennis complex offering a wide range of fitness personalities who shaped the history of and wellness services, with modern Czech tennis started their career right congress facilities and many additional here. The club also holds the record for the services. largest number of tennis legends inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport.

39

Sport infrastructure – City 3/3

Strahov Stadium Ladronka Park Stadium is the largest stadium in the world. Its original capacity was more than 240,000 people, including 50,000 seats. The construction of this stadium began in 1926 and it was continuously extended and renovated in the following years. In the second half of the 20th century, it hosted nationwide festivals of gymnastics known as the every five years. At the beginning of the 21st century, the stadium was modernized with a significant financial contribution from the city of Ladronka is one of the most famous urban Prague. Today it contains eight football pitches homesteads in Prague. It is located near the with artificial lighting allowing year-round residential suburb of Břevnov offering a operation. beautiful view of the Motol hillside. The adjacent Ladronka park has been recently The site’s two-storey operating facility contains renovated and is today used by changing rooms, rehabilitation services, a gym, pedestrians, cyclists and mainly skaters. video room and other necessary components of Various cultural events take place here, e.g. any sports centre. Ladronkafest, Čarodějnice na Ladronce Currently, Strahov Stadium is used as the and more. home base of several Czech football clubs and is also used for training purposes. The stadium has been inscribed on the List of Cultural Heritage since 2003.

1955

The area has quickly become very popular among in-line skaters, but its capacity was not quite sufficient. That is why Prague implemented a project to expand it. This project was realised between 2009 and 2010 with a total cost of 2.76 million EUR. The area 2012 was expanded by about 1.5 km of in-line routes which are separated from the surrounding roads by newly planted trees. The main skating rink is currently 4,229.5 km long (a tenth of the marathon). In addition to that, a beach volleyball court, a pétanque playing area and a new outlook point have been constructed next to the Ladronka manor itself.

40

Sport infrastructure – Local/school

Outdoor multi-purpose playing-field in Prague 6 The outdoor multi-purpose playing-field is used in mornings mainly by pupils of the nearby elementary school for disabled children and by interest groups from the adjacent Youth Centre. In the afternoon, it is usually populated by various hobby groups, sports clubs and the general public. Anyone who wants to can rest, relax or simply have a chat on the benches in the With its artificial turf, the sporting ground quiet park zone. is suitable mainly for tennis, volleyball, football tennis, mini football and Visitors can also enjoy the many basketball. It was built in 2010 and the decorative flowerbeds which were planted construction was funded by a grant from the in the area. A pétanque playing area should City of Prague. be added to this zone in the future. Multi-purpose playing-field Na Vypichu

Sport park for the elderly in Prague 4 The clay court located in the area of the Equipped with special exercise machines children’s traffic playground Na Vypichu in and a relaxing open area divided into Prague 6 was reconstructed into a multi- active and quiet zones, the modern sport purpose playing-field with artificial turf. park in Podolí is a place of active relaxation The sports grounds are designed for not only for the elderly. volleyball, football tennis, five-a-side football, basketball, street basketball and This project was also realised with financial other sports. and organizational support of the city.

41

What plans does your city have for the expansion of new sports grounds?

Because of its rich athletic tradition, Prague has a It will meet the highest European parameters and wide range of sports facilities and sports sites. should have a minimum capacity of 35,000 spectators. For this reason, the city wants to focus primarily on The costs of the construction of the National Stadium will the modernization of this infrastructure where be in the hundreds of millions of euros, financed both necessary, and wants to build new sports grounds from the state budget (with the support of the city of only where it corresponds to the overall demand Prague) and partially also from private sources of the from sportsmen and the public, ensuring that the Football Association of the Czech Republic. new sports grounds will also be used. This project, however, is currently still in the planning Nevertheless, there are plans for the stage and its implementation is not likely to start earlier implementation of several projects. than in 2015. These include primarily the planned construction A key component of further development of sports project of a new national football stadium that grounds infrastructure in the capital city is regular should become a showcase of Czech sports and be grant support of reconstruction, modernization or used to organize top sporting events. investment construction provided in three citywide The new national football stadium will also serve as programmes supporting sports and physical education. a modern seat of the Czech national football For the purposes of efficiency and unification of grants, team. close cooperation with the individual municipal authorities is expected in the future.

42 Sports events

43

What types of sports events are regularly held in your city? – Multinational 1/3

Every year, the city of Prague supports and Prague International Marathon organizes or co-organizes hundreds of regular but also irregular events of multinational and regional significance. Events of multinational significance are intended for top athletes from all around the world, while events of regional significance are usually held for amateur athletes Prague International Marathon has been or active sportsmen from the general public. held in the streets of Prague every year since 1995. Despite its short history, the Prague has been very active in organizing marathon ranks among the most professional sports events for a very long time. prestigious events of its kind in the world. For example in 1933 and 1947, Prague organized In 2010, it was awarded IAAF Gold Label the World Hockey Championship and regular status by the International Association of Sokol festivals, attended by people from all over Athletics Federations (IAAF), an honour the Czech Republic. In the second half of the bestowed on the 17 best city marathons 20th century, Prague was under strict supervision around the world. of the Communist regime and the possibilities of promoting sport at the international level and Usually two thirds of all the runners who organizing sport events with international participate in the marathon are from foreign participation were very limited. Those that used countries, making this an event that truly to take place on a regular basis included the brings runners from all around the world to “”, a mass exercise of gymnasts at Prague. Strahov stadium, Ice Hockey World The Czech Marathon Championship for Championship in 1972, European Athletics registered runners has also been part of the Championships in 1978, or the Davis Cup Finals event for several years, together with other in 1980. After the fall of the communist regime, accompanying races for the junior and senior however, the situation in the Czech Republic categories. The track usually leads through quickly improved. In the course of the last 10–15 the city centre, making the route of the race years, Prague has once again returned among very attractive. the most important sports capitals in Europe. The most important sporting events of multinational significance include the following: Canoe Slalom World Cup is a series of international races in canoe slalom held under the auspices of the International Canoe Federation (ICF). It has been organised every year since 1988. The series of races in individual disciplines usually takes place in the summer, and competitors are awarded points for their performance. The sum of points at the end of the season will decide the winners of the Cup in the respective disciplines.

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What types of sporting events are regularly held in your city? – Multinational 2/3

Josef Odložil Memorial Trophy The popularity of is increasing every year and tough competition of the world’s best riders is always worth watching. Riders such as , , or Nicki Josef Odložil Memorial Trophy is an Pedersen guarantee excellent performance international athletics meeting held and thrilling races. The prestigious GP annually since 1994 in tribute to the tragic series consists of 11 races. death of Josef Odložil, winner of the Prague Handball Cup Olympic silver medal in 1,500-metre run Prague Handball Cup is an international at the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Youth Handball Tournament in Prague. Until 2001, the Memorial was held at the The tournament has been held regularly Strahov Stadium of Evžen Rošický. Since during the Easter holidays since 1992, and 2002, the Memorial has been held at the Na 2013 will therefore be its 22nd year. Over Julisce stadium in the Dejvice district of the years, the tournament has attracted Prague. more than 102,145 participants and 6,769 teams from 41 countries in Europe, Asia, America and Africa.

Prague Speedway Grand Prix Prague Speedway Grand Prix is a part of the international series, held annually in Prague since 1997.

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What types of sports events are regularly held in your city? – Multinational 3/3

Mystic SK8 Cup The Mystic Sk8 Cup is an annual Skateboarding World Cup. It takes place in Prague on Štvanice Island. It is a traditional event accompanied by a rich cultural programme. In 2009 the Cup did not take place due to the financial crisis, but just one year later, in 2010, it managed to reopen for its 16th year. The tournament is annually visited by skateboarders from around the world. Traditional participants of the tournament come from the Czech Republic, but also America, , Australia, or . Floorball Czech Open Czech Open is currently one of the best known and most prestigious floorball tournaments in the world. In 2012, the 20th anniversary year took place, which is a remarkable tradition given the young age of this sport. While in the second year of the tournament in 1993, only 43 teams from five European countries came to Prague, the 20th year saw the participation of 258 teams from 18 countries, competing in five categories. This development reflects the steeply rising popularity of the sport and this tournament among floorball players.

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What types of sporting events are regularly held in your city? – National

The most important sporting events of Czech Derby national significance include the following: This annual sport and social event takes The Prague Mayors Eights place at the Velká Chuchle racecourse in Prague in the second half of June as the The Prague Mayors Eights is a traditional absolute highlight of the racing season. rowing race held under the auspices of The tradition of this race dates back to the Mayor of the City of Prague on the 1921. The course is designed for three- Vltava river. It is the most popular event of year-old horses and is 2,400 meters long. its kind in the Czech Republic. Unlike the Based on the traditional decoration for the majority of rowing races, the Prague winner, the race is sometimes called the Mayors Eights are only held in the scull and “Blue Ribbon”. eights categories. The race is famous for The race has been held every year since the unique curve the river takes under the 1921, including during WWII. Only twice Vyšehrad Rock. was the race ran outside Prague due to floods which caused damage to the In addition to Czech crews, foreign teams racecourse. also usually take part in this event, mainly from the UK or .

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What types of sporting events are regularly held in your city? – Regional

The most significant sports events of Apart from men’s and women’s regional importance include the following: competitions, the vast majority of sports clubs organize also youth tournaments, supporting a healthy lifestyle of young Prague Championship people and strengthening their love of The Prague Championship together with sport. other regional championships ranks among Hanspaulská League the top five football leagues in the Czech Republic. The Hanspaulská League is a specific sports phenomenon. It is an amateur The governing body of the championship is football competition which has been the Prague Football Association. It is played played since 1971. It was originally named every year from summer till spring with a after the Prague district of Hanspaulka break over winter. 16 teams from Prague where it was first played, but has since then take part in the championship. All teams spread throughout the city. play with each other twice, once on the home field and once at the field of the Its main ideals are entertainment and opponent. promotion of fair-play together with prevention against drugs, alcohol and In Prague and the Central Bohemia region, crime. many more championship competitions are organised for almost all sports Hanspaulská League is played under the imaginable, including handball, basketball, auspices of the Prague Six-A-Side Football ice hockey, floorball and many more. Association and currently consists of almost 1,000 football teams with about 15,000 These organised amateur sports events players in total, making it one of the allow the inhabitants of Prague to regularly biggest amateur competitions. do sports and enjoy the joy of movement. They also motivate them to achieve the The governing body of the league tightly best performance and excellent sports cooperates with the Prague City Assembly results. which provides favourable conditions for the participants as well as financial support.

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Which sport does Prague specialize in?

Thanks to its rich sporting tradition and Prague also does not promote sport history, Prague focuses on a very wide activities only among one social group, range of sports. Prague does not promote but focuses instead on recreational and any individual kind of sport at the expense leisure time sportsmen, professional of others, but rather provides uniform sportsmen as well as on potentially socially support to all sports found in the city in excluded groups such as retired or accordance with their popularity and the handicapped people. requirements of active sportsmen and the This can be seen also in the fact that public. Prague is a partner of the Czech In recent years, the popularity of Association of Handicapped Sportsmen, recreational sport activities such as which is the largest association of its kind in jogging, cycling or in-line skating has the Czech Republic and is also responsible risen. Mainly for this reason, the bicycle for Czech representation at the summer route system in Prague has been and winter Paralympic Games. Prague is innovated, either by building new routes or also a partner of the Wheelchair Sports by rebuilding and extending the existing Club and hosts countless national and ones in order to reflect the rising demand. international sports events for the disabled, Rising interest has been also noticed in such as the final race of the Paracycling golf. The number of amateur golf-players European Cup or a cross-county running has raised considerably, which has in turn race for the handicapped. been reflected in the infrastructure of sports Prague also offers a diverse recreational in Prague as well as in the whole country. infrastructure for its seniors and organizes It should be once again emphasized, for them various kinds of physical exercise however, that Prague does not promote under the supervision of professional only several priority sports, but supports trainers. sports in general as well as a healthy lifestyle. There are over 4,800 sports clubs in Prague, offering almost all imaginable sports experiences. Numerous non-profit and religious organizations also focus on a broad spectrum of sport activities, and so do many kindergartens, elementary schools, secondary schools and commercial entities.

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How does Prague participate in the financing and organizing of these events?

The most important sports events that are Another very important goal of Sportive Prague organised on a regular basis and have a is also to provide information about all sports long-lasting tradition are supported in the grounds, events and projects in the whole form of partnership with the city of Prague area. The Sportive Prague website Prague. The financial budget for 2013 offers a database of dozens of sports events approved the support of 123 sport events taking place every month, an overview of with a total sum of 1.1 million EUR. The hundreds of sports facilities and sports clubs, importance of many of these events extends interviews with interesting personalities of beyond the boundaries of Prague or the Prague culture, science and sport and other country, and contributes thus considerably useful information. The goal of the project is not to the promotion of the city. to turn Prague citizens only into spectators, but Among important events supported in also to support them in active participation. 2013 were for example the International Grant programmes of sports support are also Prague Handball Cup 2013, international focused on the development of infrastructure floorball tournament Czech Open 2013, in which sport events are organized. Since series of city running races Prague 2010, the city has invested 4 million EUR every International Marathon 2013, international year into the reconstruction of sporting facilities, athletic meeting Memorial of J. Odložil 2013, of which a total of 2.4 million EUR was used for rowing race Prague Mayors Eights 2013, the reconstruction of infrastructure of sporting Speedway Grand Prix 2013 (motorbike clubs and associations, 0.5 million EUR for the speedway races) and many more. reconstruction of sporting areas of schools in Prague and 1.1 million EUR for the These events are partially promoted through reconstruction of sporting grounds in the the Sportive Prague project which has the individual city districts. development of sports in Prague as its main objective.

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What types of sports events were held in Prague over the past 5 years? 1/3

The most significant sports events held in Prague over the last five years include the following:

Davis Cup Semi-final 2013 Czech Republic – Argentina

UEFA Super Cup 2013

The Davis Cup is an international team contest in men's tennis, organized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). In 2012, there were 123 teams competing for the Davis Cup; after a thrilling finale, the prize was won by the Czech team led by The 2013 UEFA Super Cup was the 38th Tomáš Berdych and Radek Štěpánek. year of this competition organized by the In 2013, the Czech team once again UEFA European Football Association. advanced to the semi-finals, where it The match, closely watched by football defeated Argentina. This unique sports fans from all over the world, took place event was also held in Prague. on 30 August 2013 in SynotTip Arena in Prague. It was played between FC Bayern Munich, the winners of the 2012–13 UEFA Champions League, and Chelsea FC, the winners of the 2012–13 UEFA Europa League. FC Bayern Munich won the very attractive match, beating Chelsea on penalties after extra time.

World Championship Majorettes Sport 2013 Czech majorettes, both as groups and solo performers, have risen among the European elite. This year, Prague had the honour to host the World Championship in Majorettes Sport, which is becoming more and more popular.

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What types of sports events were held in your city over the past 5 years? 2/3

Davis Cup 2012 Finals: Swatch FIVB Beach Volley World Tour – Czech Republic – Spain Prague 2012 Open Date: 16–18 November 2012, Beach Volleyball World Series tournament (with participation of Olympic winners and Venue: O2 Arena, world champions) Attendance: 3 x 15,000 (sold out) Date: 22–27 May 2012, Venue: Prague Štvanice, Attendance: 20,000 spectators in total

Fed Cup 2012 Finals: Czech Republic – Serbia Date: 3–4 November 2012, Venue: O2 Arena, Attendance: 2 x 14,500 (sold out) Davis Cup 2012 Quarter-Finals: Czech Republic – Serbia Date: 6–8 April 2012, Venue: O2 Arena, Attendance: 3 x 14,500 (sold out)

Advantage Tennis V. Exhibition of world tennis legends – M. Sharapova, P. Kvitová, L. Šafářová Date: 29 October 2012, Venue: O2 Arena, Attendance: 9,500 CEV European Championship in men’s volleyball 2011 Date: 10–12 September 2011, Venue: O2 Arena, Attendance: 18,500 spectators in total

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What types of sports events were held in your city over the past 5 years? 3/3

Advantage Tennis IV. CEV Indesit Champions League Men’s Exhibition of world tennis legends Final Four 2008/2009 Date: 7 June 2011, Culmination of the European volleyball season Venue: O2 Arena, Date: 4–5 April 2009, Attendance: 10,500 Venue: O2 Arena, Attendance: 2 x 10,000

Swatch FIVB Beach Volley World Tour – Prague 2011 Open Pete Sampras Charity exhibition Beach Volleyball World Series tournament World legend for the first time in the Czech Date: 17–22 May 2011, Republic Venue: Prague Štvanice Date: 1 December 2008, Attendance: 20,000 spectators in total Venue: O2 Arena, Attendance: 17,500 (sold out)

NHL Premiere 2010 NHL Premiere 2008 Boston Bruins x Phoenix Coyotes New York Rangers x Tampa Bay Lightning Date: 9–10 October 2010, Date: 4–5 October 2008, Venue: O2 Arena, Venue: O2 Arena, Attendance: 17,000 + 15,500 Attendance: 2 x 18,000 (sold out)

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What extraordinary sports events will be taking place in Prague in the next five years?

IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship (2015)

European Indoor Championship in Athletics (2015)

World Ice Hockey Championship (2015)

European Football Championship under 21 (2015)

Games Summer Youth Olympics (2017)

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In what way will your city be participating in these events?

Prague will be participating in these events Financial means earmarked for the support of mainly in two ways – by providing financial sports are provided in two basic ways. These support and by helping with the organization are City-Wide Programmes for the support of thanks to its contractual relationships. sport and physical education within the Financial support will be provided in the same framework of the city’s grant policy, and the way as with similar sport events which took Partnership programme. place in Prague in the past, i.e. through grant In the framework of City-Wide Programmes schemes and optionally also through for the support of sports and physical partnerships. education, any person or legal entity who During 2013, Prague supported a wide range meets the conditions set forth by of various sports events and projects with a methodological guidelines of the city Prague total sum exceeding 1 million EUR. Overall in may apply for a grant, i.e. funds from the city 2013, Prague earmarked almost 14 million budget. EUR from its budget for the support and The Partnership Programme provides development of sports infrastructure. Since the support to events organized by entities support of sport is one of the main priorities of working in Prague in selected fields as well the current city government, it might be as to international and thematically preferred expected that at least the same, if not even events in selected areas. higher, amount of money will be allocated to the support of sport in the following years.

55 Cooperation at the national and international level

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How does Prague cooperate with sports associations and institutions on the national and European level? 1/2

The most important sports organizations The most important grant programme in within Prague that provide nationwide terms of cooperation with sports support for its members include the associations and other institutions on the Prague Sporting Union, Czech national level is Programme 8, focused on Association Sport for Everyone, Czech developmental and system projects of Sokol, Orel, Czech Sport Organization citywide importance. for Physically Disabled, Association of Through these organizations, the city of School Sports Clubs, Czech Olympic Prague cooperates also with associations Committee or Czech Paralympic of individual sports. These associations Committee. Organizations that are most are engaged in communication on the active on the European level include the European and world level within individual Czech Union of Sport, Sokol or the Czech sports disciplines (FIBA, IAAF, UEFA etc.). Olympic Committee. The city of Prague then provides These and other sports organizations have organizational and financial assistance to a membership of more than 200 international competitions or other sports thousand people of Prague, i.e. 20 % of events. the population of the city, who are engaged in organized sport within an institution (this figure does not include people who do sports in other commercial entities, such as fitness gyms, swimming pools, squash centres, etc.). The City of Prague cooperates with these and other entities both directly and indirectly. Indirect cooperation is based on annual promotional events organized by the City of Prague. Popular events include for example The Week of Free Sports, during which the people of Prague can take advantage of the offer of more than 80 commercial sports grounds free of charge, or the project of a Month of Recruitment to Sports Clubs, which is aimed at young people and aims to help children and their parents in choosing a suitable kind of sport (within the project, children can try out up to 33 sports for free). The picture above shows the promotional Financially, organizationally, and through poster of the campaign of the Month of promotion, the city of Prague supports Recruitment to Sports Clubs, also general projects that have a broad impact organized by the city of Prague. The project on expanding the membership of various is aimed at motivating parents to support clubs, associations and institutions on the sports activities of their children and to national level. help them choose the right kind of Direct support, which is intended for sport. This project ultimately also leads sports associations, non-profit sports to the prevention of juvenile organizations and other entities, is delinquency, as expressed in the implemented through an annual grant campaign slogan: If children are not programme of the city of Prague. given latitude, they will find it on their own.

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How does Prague cooperate with sports associations and institutions on the national and European level? 2/2

Česká obec sokolská (The Sokol Movement) Česká obec sokolská (ČOS) is the fourth largest civic association in the Czech Republic with almost 190,000 members dedicated to all kinds of sports and physical activities. The City of Prague provides annual financial support to ČOS and its branches throughout Prague, including investments in infrastructure and modernization, subsidies for sports workshops, competitions and other projects. Sokol is one of the most significant sports organizations founded in the historical Czech lands, with a tradition dating back to 1862. Trainers and coaches of Sokol gymnastic unions work as organizers of their programme of physical education and sports and together with other members also promote the central ideals of the Sokol organization, which are very similar to the goals of ACES. As the first article of the ČOS Statutes says: “The mission of ČOS is to improve physical fitness of its members and to lead them to honest conduct in both private and public life, to national, racial and religious tolerance, democracy and humanism, personal modesty and discipline.” There are 62 Sokol sports unions in Prague alone. Sokol cooperates with many organizations both in the Czech Republic and abroad, and as part of the World Sokol Organization also with Sokol branches in Europe, America and Australia. ČOS is also a member of the major international organization ISCA (International Sport and Culture Association). ISCA promotes international contacts and partnerships for example in the form of internships of coaches abroad, participation at international conferences, festivals, etc.

Interesting facts about Sokol .Sokol is most likely the oldest still existing sports organization in Europe, as the first Sokol group was founded in Prague in 1862 and remains active to this day. .Every 6 years, a large Sokol Festival takes place as a meeting of members from all around the world (for example from , Australia, USA, , France, , Serbia, Russia etc.), who perform their rehearsed mass exercises. The last Sokol Festival was attended by almost 11 thousand gymnasts. .Sokol offers the opportunity to do sports both on a professional and recreational level. This includes various physical activities for all generations – there are more than 80 kinds of sports intended for preschool children, parents with children, youth, adults but also the elderly. .Sokol has its representatives also at the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Examples include judo fighter Jaromír Ježek or paralympic cyclist Jiří Ježek, historically the most successful handicapped cyclist in the world who started at Sokol.

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How does Prague cooperate with universities, secondary schools and research institutions on the regional, national or international level?

Because sport is considered an integral part of Prague cooperates with the Faculty of Physical the educational process, there are at least two Education and Sport at Charles University and hours per week dedicated to physical education other institutions of higher learning in the at secondary schools. The city of Prague organization of sports events such as the plays a crucial role in this aspect as the legal (tournament of universities founder of secondary schools, which are by from all over the country) or the Kids Come law required to include sporting areas (gyms, Out! project (where university teachers provide fitness gyms and in many cases also outdoor training on public sports grounds). playgrounds). In this way, the city of Prague The city also cooperates with individual sports makes a wide range of various sports associations and through grants supports the accessible to all students and pupils. A great tournaments they organize, helps promote the advantage is that these sports grounds can be sports associations as such, raises the level of and are used also by the general public in the coaching education and more. evening hours. Through official requests, the city cooperates with the directors of individual This way, the city of Prague contributes to the schools who are responsible for their specific expansion of their membership base and helps needs. In addition to regular secondary increase the number of people who do sports schools, Prague is also the legal founder of regularly. Prague Sporting Union is a partner sports secondary schools (and sports classes organization of Prague working as an umbrella within regular secondary schools) for children association of various sports clubs and unions with special interest or talent for various kinds throughout the Prague area. The Prague of sports. All secondary schools regardless of Sporting Union examines best practices and specialization work with a partner organization with the support of Prague and other entities of Prague, Association of School Sports provides sporting unions with professional Clubs in the Czech Republic, which methodological assistance in the fields of law, organizes school tournaments and provides economics, accounting and tax or grant training to teachers. programme consulting. Apart from specialized professional schools focused on the study of coaching, sports and sport research, Prague is also the seat of one of the oldest universities in Europe, the Charles University, which has since 1965 included also The Faculty of Physical Education and Sport (FTVS). This faculty is a leading institution in the education of professional coaches and research of the musculoskeletal system and sports. Thanks to its position within the Charles University, FTVS cooperates with many partner universities and every year, approximately 100 of its students take part in Erasmus and CEEPUS mobility programmes (both incoming and outgoing).

59 Profile of Prague as a European Capital of Sport

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What special qualities, strong points or unique characteristics does Prague have for the European capital of sport, instead of other cities?

As a European capital of sport, Prague would World Championship U19 (2013), Canoe Slalom be standing on several key pillars. One of World Championship (2013), European Women’s them is the enormous sports tradition that Championship in Softball and many other top sports Prague undoubtedly has. Sokol is one of the events. More special sports events are being oldest still-functioning sports organizations in prepared for the next few years, such as the Ice the world. It was founded already in 1862 and Hockey World Championships and European since then to the present day has been Athletics Indoor Championships which will take place organising regular Sokol Festivals every four in 2015. Prague is also preparing a candidacy as years. Besides collective performances host of the Youth in 2017 and more. (exercises), this festival includes also other There is also a wide range of regular events which sporting competitions and an accompanying always attract many enthusiastic sportsmen to programme. At the last Sokol Festival, which Prague (such as the Prague International Marathon, took place in 2012, there were nearly 11,000 the Czech Open floorball tournament, the Prague performing gymnasts, of whom more than Stairs bicycle race and many more). 1,200 were foreign participants from more Prague will also assist the Czech Olympic committee than 15 countries of the world. This is both a in establishing an open-air Olympic sports village at historical and contemporary ideal for a proud Letenský park on the occasion of the winter and healthy lifestyle of citizens. Olympics in Sochi. Visitors definitely should not be The second pillar is Prague’s strong position bored here. In addition to watching live broadcasts as a sporting capital within the region of from the Olympics, they will also have the Central Europe. Prague is a proud host and opportunity to try out winter sports for themselves. organizer of a wide range of professional The village will feature an ice hockey rink, cross- sports events which attract sportsmen and country ski track, biathlon shooting range, a curling fans from around the world. sheet or snowboards for rent. The extensive list includes for example the All these events significantly contribute to the UEFA Super Cup held this year, Davis Cup promotion of sports as such and make Prague a Finals (2012), Fed Cup Finals (2012), FIBA very attractive destination for sports fans.

The third pillar is Prague’s general allure that is not necessarily related to sports. Prague as the “Heart of Europe” is a very popular destination for tourists from around the world, mainly because of its rich history, unique architecture and rich cultural life. Together with a wide range of sports events, both at the top and amateur level, this makes Prague a very attractive city.

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How will your city as the European Capital of Sport implement the five key points – ACES targets with respect to the development of sports in your city? 1/2

In order to promote and expand the . investment in infrastructure and means of public participation in sports sports grounds for handicapped people, activities as well as to achieve the main . accompanying programmes of sports goals of ACES, the city government sets events, the following objectives: . creation of a network of city-owned .promotion of sports activities and a open sports grounds, healthy lifestyle, primarily focused on . media coverage of city hall activities in children and youth, the field of sport, .improvement of the material and . sports events for the general public, technical base for sports, . mapping of public sites suitable for .securing efficient operation of sports doing sports, facilities, . improving conditions for sports .better conditions for coaches, activities, instructors and volunteers in sport, . organisation of significant international .support of sports schools and school events, sports clubs, . support of sports events in the form of .positive encouragement of inhabitants partnership, to promote sports activities. . promotion of the “Sportive Prague” These goals which correspond to the concept in partner cities, objectives of ACES will be implemented . support of the development of through the following activities: economically self-sufficient sports .creation of an educational and grounds, advertising campaign, . support of sports projects that fit into the .development of new City-Wide long-term plan of Prague. Programmes for the support of sports and physical education in Prague,

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How will your city as the European Capital of Sport implement the five key points – ACES targets with respect to the development of sports in your city? 2/2

The objectives of ACES will be achieved also . Many more City-Wide Programmes through the implementation of City-Wide supporting sport and physical Programmes for the support of sports and education in Prague. physical education in Prague. The goal of The city also financially and many of these programmes is to promote organizationally supports a variety of sport and make it available to the public. sports events. These events, in many These programmes include for example: cases focused on youth, include the .Support of ice arenas, swimming pools and Prague Handball Cup (youth other sports facilities in the city of Prague, in handball tournament), Prague the form of contributions to the costs of International Marathon, FIBA energy, fuel, gas, or water, depending on World Championship for Men – the capacity, economic demands and public U19 and more. In the first three service hours of these facilities. quarters of 2013, the Partnership .Support of year-round activities of sports programme contributed to 26 major entities associating athletes with sporting events with a total amount disabilities. exceeding 1 million EUR. 10 of these sports events were supported .Support of long-term sport and health with more than 40,000 EUR. projects in the area of Prague designed for According to a decision of the city seniors over 60 years. administration, more funds should be .Renovation, modernization and allocated for sports in the future than technological improvement of sports before, increasing the number of grounds. supported events even higher.

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Through what initiatives and activities will the city contribute to the work of ACES?

The city of Prague supports and develops In addition to the many public events, the all forms of sports through many various city of Prague keeps organizing many major projects and activities. One of the most sports events of both European and world important projects is Sportive Prague, significance. If selected as the European intended to support the development of Capital of Sport for 2016, Prague would be sports in Prague through the co- promoting ACES as an institution that organization of various sports events mainly fundamentally contributes to the promotion for the general public (with particular focus of sport in Europe among everyone on children and youth) and overall regardless of age, gender or ability and promotion of sport, exercise and a healthy encourages the spreading of Olympic ideals lifestyle. A key part of the Sportive Prague and moral values. This promotion will take project is a communication campaign on place both in the media (web or magazine which Prague cooperates with several articles etc.) and directly at the venues of celebrities famous not only in sport, but also the individual events. ACES members will in the fields of culture or science. The aim be also invited to selected sports events of this campaign is to attract the public to to personally experience how sport is the many organized events and thus promoted in Prague and supported by the encourage people to be more interested in city government. sport.

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