Fortuna Arena in Prague experienced one of the highlights of this year's XVII All-Sokol Slet on Thursday evening: the first part of the mass performances. Approximately 11,300 participants from 13 countries took part, and President Petr Pavel watched from the honorary box. He presented the honorary flag to Martin Chlumský, the head of the Czech Sokol Organization. The evening was enlivened by performances from singers - Lucie Bílá and Jiří Korn.
A Moment sokols have been waiting for six years. Mass performances, event like no other in the world. Years of preparation for organizers and many months of rehearsals for thousands of participants from units across the country and abroad. An unforgettable experience that wasn't spoiled by the rain for those present.
"We have been leading Czechs towards physical activity and communal engagement for 162 years, and I am immensely pleased that we can enjoy our togetherness in such an amazing atmosphere. The Slet unites. It unites generations, sport with art, regions, and the country with the world. Today, we can be here as one big Sokol family, sharing the same values," said Martin Chlumský, head of the Czech Sokol Organization, at the opening. He expressed his delight that, after 18 years, the President of the Czech Republic attended the Slet.
"I see it as a recognition of efforts of the Slet participants, all 160,000 members of the Czech Sokol Organization, and work of our association," said Chlumský, and amidst cheers from the stands, he handed microphone to President Petr Pavel.
"Given the weather, a paraphrase of a famous saying comes to mind: 'Let it never be said that a Czech Sokol fled from a wet field,'" quipped Petr Pavel, amusing the rain-soaked stands.
Subsequently, as the fourth head of state in history, he presented the Sokols with an honorary presidential flag. Incidentally, its creation required exactly 995,000 stitches, and the flag features a special 3D signature. With this, the main part of the evening could begin.
Magical Atmosphere
Spectators who filled the stadium stands witnessed nine mass routines by Czech Sokols and two by guests from Slovakia and Denmark. Some of these routines had their premiere and finale simultaneously. A special feature of the program was the scenic lighting, which further enhanced the already magical atmosphere.
Each routine, whether it was the purely dance-based "In the Rhythm of the Heart," the Slovak women's "Rande v Prahe," the impressive "Sokol Playing" by children with multipurpose blocks, or the energetic "Rock Symphony," received applause from the stands. The largest number of participants at one moment, precisely 1,517, appeared on the field in the "Fitness" routine.
One of the exceptional moments was the "New Circus" performance, where gymnasts showcased breathtaking acrobatics on long white ribbons hanging from the arena ceiling. They were accompanied live by Czech pop music icon Jiří Korn, and the program was further enriched by the song "Phoenix" by the most successful Czech singer Lucie Bílá, complemented by a fire show. Both artists concluded with a duet.
It was a unique Sokol evening at Eden, ending just before midnight. Despite the late hour, the performances by all participants showed no signs of fatigue.
The XVII All-Sokol Slet concludes on Friday, July 5, in the afternoon, with the second mass performance program, including routines for the youngest children, again at Eden. On this final day, nearly 14,000 participants are expected to take the field, culminating in the ceremonial conclusion of this event, which takes place only once every six years.
