Outstanding Individuals Receive the City of Ostrava Award and Other Honours

City of Ostrava Awards

The City of Ostrava Awards have been presented since 1996 to individuals, self-employed persons, and legal entities in recognition of extraordinary achievements and services rendered to the city.

The awards are typically granted for:

• Significant literary, artistic, or other works connected with the City of Ostrava;
• Important discoveries related to the City of Ostrava that have gained recognition from the professional community;
• Exceptional achievements resulting in significant success associated with the City of Ostrava;
• Special recognition of individuals whose activities have represented, or continue to represent, an outstanding contribution to the city
• A special expression of esteem for distinguished Czech or international figures in politics, science, culture, and sport.

This year, the prestigious award was presented by the Mayor of Ostrava, Jan Dohnal, to Miloslava Soukupová, Jiří Boháček, and Leo Žídek. The City of Ostrava Award in memoriam was granted to Lumír Plac.

“City of Ostrava Awards are a long-standing tradition that we established thirty years ago. It is always a great honour and genuine pleasure for me to express our gratitude and respect to those who selflessly contribute to the development and reputation of our city. The range of award recipients regularly covers a wide variety of fields, as demonstrated by this year’s edition. It reminds us once again that Ostrava is a city with tremendous human potential,” said Ostrava Mayor Jan Dohnal.

Miloslava Soukupová

Miloslava Soukupová is an outstanding figure in Czech culture, arts education, and inclusion. As Director of the Folk Conservatory and Music School in Ostrava, she has devoted more than three decades to the development of arts education for a wide range of learners, including children and adults with disabilities.

Thanks to her innovative approach, tireless efforts, and visionary leadership, a unique educational institution has been created in the Czech Republic—one that opens artistic opportunities to everyone regardless of age, talent, or health condition.

Under her leadership, the institution has grown to serve more than 1,200 students taught by over 120 teachers. It offers more than 40 artistic, aesthetic, and therapeutic programmes aimed not only at education but also at improving quality of life through art. Alongside educational activities, numerous artistic and therapeutic projects have been developed under her guidance.

For her lifelong and extraordinary contribution to arts education, inclusion, and social development, Miloslava Soukupová deserves the highest recognition.

Jiří Boháček

Jiří Boháček is a historian of public transport and a long-standing promoter of transport history, particularly in the Ostrava region. He is a founding member and leading figure of the Ostrava Public Transport Enthusiasts Association (KP MHD), established in 1978, whose preservation, development, and long-term activities have become his lifelong mission.

His work is based not only on extensive expertise but also on his ability to motivate and inspire members of the association to work together in preserving and developing Ostrava’s transport heritage.

He is currently employed by the Ostrava Public Transport Company as a historian and curator of its collection of historic vehicles.

An important part of Jiří Boháček’s work is the mentoring of younger generations, to whom he selflessly passes on his knowledge and experience. As curator of the historic vehicle collection, he also serves as the organisational and professional guarantor of public events organised by the transport company, including rides and presentations featuring historic vehicles and their facilities.

His expertise significantly enhances the professional quality of these events while supporting the teamwork essential to their success. Jiří Boháček is also one of the strongest advocates for the establishment and development of a public transport museum in Ostrava.

Leo Žídek

Leo Žídek is one of the founding members of the former Ostrava branch of the Confederation of Political Prisoners and served as its chairman for many years.

For more than two decades, he has tirelessly shared his personal testimony about the period of communist totalitarian rule with students, pupils, and the wider public. His lectures, discussions, and guided visits to sites associated with former prisons and labour camps are not merely historical education—they are bridges connecting generations.

Through his activities, he significantly contributes to intergenerational dialogue and strengthens solidarity and mutual understanding between young people and witnesses of history. He actively involves other former political prisoners and their families, creating opportunities to share experiences, values, and life stories that help shape our collective identity.

He is also the initiator of commemorative plaques dedicated to victims of totalitarian regimes placed in public spaces and regularly participates in remembrance events. His work demonstrates that such activities can have a profound social impact—not only as a service to historical memory but also as a means of strengthening intergenerational relationships within the city.

Lumír Plac (Awarded In Memoriam)

Lumír Plac was a prominent figure in Ostrava’s mining industry, industrial heritage, and tourism sector. A native of Ostrava and long-time director of the Landek Park Mining Museum, he dedicated his entire professional life to preserving and promoting the mining traditions that form a fundamental part of the city’s identity.

His career exemplified exceptional personal and professional continuity. Beginning as a miner in the Ostrava-Karviná coalfields, he gradually advanced through technical and economic positions before assuming leadership roles in mining exhibitions. Thanks to his own experience underground, he was able to present mining work to the public with remarkable authenticity and credibility.

He consistently promoted the idea that the greatest value of mining lies in its people and their stories. He actively preserved the living memory of mining professions, developed educational programmes for children and young people, supported the presentation of mine rescue services, and helped the public understand the historical significance of the Landek site.

His work made a major contribution to passing on the values associated with Ostrava’s mining tradition to future generations. Among other distinctions, he received the Personality of Tourism of the Moravian-Silesian Region Award (2019/2020).

Through his lifelong efforts, he preserved an important part of Ostrava’s industrial heritage, helped transform the city into a respected industrial tourism destination, and safeguarded the authentic memory of the mining region for generations to come.

Nominations for the City of Ostrava Award may be submitted to the City Council by councillors or council committees. Citizens of Ostrava may submit nominations through the Mayor’s Office of the City of Ostrava.

Awards for Teaching and Non-Teaching Staff in Education

The City of Ostrava traditionally honours employees in the field of education on the occasion of Teachers’ Day. This year, however, the awards were presented for the first time as part of the city’s main awards ceremony.

The awards are presented to teaching staff (and, in one category, also to non-teaching staff) working in nursery schools, primary schools, and educational institutions established by the City of Ostrava, city districts, and other founders, including private and church-run schools operating within the city.

Outstanding figures in Ostrava’s educational community are recognised in the following categories:

• Outstanding Educational Personality
• Lifetime Achievement in Education
• School Principal
• Specialist of a School Counselling Centre

Nominees are proposed by school principals, school founders, or teaching staff. Nominations are evaluated according to a wide range of criteria, including teaching methods, approach to pupils, professional publications, participation in international programmes, and the development of innovative educational projects.

“Each year, this is an opportunity to thank school employees who help create a positive environment in which our children are educated. The award recipients exemplify dedication, commitment, and passion for a profession that has become their life’s mission. They are a great source of inspiration for both their pupils and colleagues,” said Ostrava City Councillor Andrea Hoffmannová before presenting the awards.

Outstanding Educational Personality

Božena Šmolková

Teacher, 25 years of experience, Primary School Ostrava–Mariánské Hory, Karasova 6

Božena Šmolková has made exceptional contributions not only in education but also in the social sphere. She actively follows current educational trends and successfully incorporates them into her teaching through an individualised approach.

She also devotes considerable time to supporting children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds outside regular teaching hours. By fostering a friendly and creative atmosphere, she significantly enhances pupils’ motivation. She is the author and coordinator of several highly regarded educational projects.

Kateřina Vlčková

Teacher, 21 years of experience, Primary and Nursery School Ostrava–Hrabůvka, Krestova 36A

Kateřina Vlčková is an outstanding English language teacher with extensive expertise and a modern, creative approach to teaching. She employs innovative methods, including digital and IT tools, educational applications, video resources, and the CLIL methodology.

Through the preparation of English-language musicals, she successfully combines language learning with artistic and personal development. She is actively involved in both school-based and international projects, and her pupils regularly achieve outstanding results in language competitions.

Lifetime Achievement in Education

Nursery School Category

Šárka Beranová, Deputy Director, 45 years of experience, Nursery School Ostrava–Výškovice, Staňkova 33

Šárka Beranová is a distinguished specialist in special education who has devoted her career to educating children with special educational needs. She is respected for her professional approach, friendliness, diligence, and supportive attitude toward children, parents, and colleagues alike.

Having worked in the field since 1980, she continues to pursue professional development and apply new knowledge in practice. She is also actively involved in associations supporting parents of preschool children.

Primary School Category

Vladimír Durčák

Teacher and School Principal, 41 years of experience, Primary School Ostrava–Zábřeh, Chrjukinova 12

Throughout his long educational career, Vladimír Durčák has devoted extraordinary effort to teaching, improving learning conditions, and modernising school facilities, often at the expense of his personal time.

He provides pupils with high-quality education through modern methods and technologies. His goal has always been to enhance the attractiveness of the school for pupils, teachers, parents, and the wider public. He has also dedicated significant attention to supporting children from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and has successfully involved the school in numerous educational projects.

Michaela Homolová

Teacher, 39 years of experience, Primary School Ostrava–Poruba, J. Valčíka 4411

Michaela Homolová has worked in education since 1986 and is widely recognised by pupils, parents, and colleagues as an experienced, dedicated, and inspiring educator.

She teaches Czech language, English language, and music education. Her teaching emphasises language culture, literacy, and creativity. She regularly organises the school’s recitation competition, whose participants achieve excellent results in regional contests. She also serves as chair of the language department and has organised language-study programmes for pupils in London.

Petr Poláš

Teacher and Educational Counsellor, 44 years of experience, Primary and Nursery School Ostrava–Zábřeh, Volgogradská 6B

Throughout his career, Petr Poláš has demonstrated exceptional professional and personal qualities. As a teacher of geography and civics, he applies a creative and innovative approach while enriching lessons with experiences gained during his travels around the world.

He encourages pupils to be active learners through educational excursions in the Czech Republic and abroad. Organising health and outdoor educational stays is also an important part of his work. He enjoys long-standing respect and popularity among pupils and parents alike.

Tomáš Rychnovský

Teacher, Educational and Career Counsellor, 32 years of experience, Primary School Ostrava–Poruba, Dětská 915

Tomáš Rychnovský is an indispensable member of the teaching staff at his school. He contributes to its successful operation through both his professional expertise and his calm, respectful, and approachable manner.

As a mathematics and physics teacher, he not only imparts knowledge and skills but also helps shape pupils’ personal and moral values. Students particularly appreciate his fairness, sense of humour, willingness to help, and approachable nature.

School Principal Award

Marek Pabjan

School Principal, 25 years of experience, including 20 years as Principal, Primary and Nursery School Kosmonautů, Ostrava–Zábřeh

Marek Pabjan is an outstanding educational manager. He effectively oversees the operation of the school, maintains a positive atmosphere, manages financial resources responsibly, and plans strategically for the future.

Through regular monitoring of resource allocation, he contributes to the long-term sustainability of the school’s development. His constructive cooperation with the school founder enables continuous improvement in the quality of education and the creation of favourable conditions for the all-round development of pupils.

Specialist of a School Counselling Centre

Simona Broschová

Teacher, Educational and Career Counsellor, 29 years of experience, Primary School Ostrava–Poruba, J. Valčíka 4411

Simona Broschová significantly strengthens the safe, supportive, and respectful environment within her school. She focuses on identifying and understanding pupils’ individual challenges and helping them make informed decisions regarding their future careers.

As a teacher of biology and geography, she also leads an environmental education seminar and devotes considerable attention to pupils from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Ivana Dybalová

Special Education Teacher, Head of the School Counselling Centre, Deputy Principal, 38 years of experience, Primary and Nursery School Ostrava–Bělský Les, B. Dvorského 1

Ivana Dybalová has consistently dedicated herself to children with special educational needs at both nursery and primary school levels. She works closely with school psychologists, educational counsellors, and prevention specialists.

She analyses and organises sociometric surveys and uses their results to establish effective educational support measures. Her work also focuses on preventing academic failure, risky behaviour, and relationship problems within school communities. She actively participates in the assessment of special educational needs.

Radek Kuděla

Educational and Career Counsellor, 8.5 years of experience, Primary School Ostrava–Zábřeh, Chrjukinova 12

Radek Kuděla performs his profession with outstanding professional competence and human understanding. He plays a key role in creating a safe, supportive, and respectful school environment.

Working in a school with a high proportion of pupils from socially excluded communities, he systematically and sensitively addresses negative social phenomena and behavioural risks. His contribution in this area is invaluable. He provides long-term support to pupils facing both educational and personal challenges.

Jarmila Makúchová

Deputy Principal, Educational and Career Counsellor, Teacher, 30 years of experience
Primary School Ostrava–Vítkovice, Šalounova 56

Jarmila Makúchová is recognised not only for her expertise but also for her deeply human approach to children. Her ability to listen, understand, and sensitively guide pupils in making decisions about their future careers is truly exceptional.

In addition to teaching and counselling, she plays a major role in developing programmes focused on pupils’ personal and professional development, including extracurricular activities. She is also active in promoting financial literacy among children, whose achievements in related competitions have been remarkable.

David Rejcha

Educational and Career Counsellor, Teacher of History and Civics, Primary and Nursery School Ostrava–Zábřeh, Březinova 52

David Rejcha is dedicated to supporting pupils facing educational, behavioural, or personal difficulties. He has successfully helped many children at risk of academic failure or challenging life circumstances.

As a career counsellor, he works systematically with ninth-grade pupils, helping them identify their educational potential, interests, and personal strengths. His respectful, calm, and highly empathetic approach has earned him widespread trust among pupils, parents, and colleagues.

Athlete of the Year 2025

This year, Ostrava once again honoured its most outstanding athletes and sports teams through the Athlete of the Year Awards, held under the patronage of the Mayor of Ostrava.

Members of the public were invited to nominate their favourites for achievements in 2025 via an online form throughout March 2026.

Nominations were accepted in six categories:

• Best Individual Athlete
• Best Team
• Talent of the Year
• Best Para Athlete
• Sports Legend
• Socially Responsible Company
• The winners in all categories, with the exception of the Socially Responsible Company category, also received a financial award.

“Our Athlete of the Year Awards serve a dual purpose. First and foremost, we want to recognise and reward the outstanding performances of athletes whose careers are connected with Ostrava in one way or another. The selection is never easy, as Ostrava has produced many remarkable sporting personalities throughout its history and continues to do so today. Equally important is the promotion of sport and physical activity itself. We want to show, especially to younger generations, that sport offers unique experiences that can only be gained through active participation. While sport often requires hard work and dedication, it is rewarding, enjoyable, and ultimately worthwhile,” said Ostrava Mayor Jan Dohnal.

When evaluating nominations, consideration is given to achievements at the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships, and Czech national championships. Nominees must either have permanent residence or headquarters in Ostrava, be current or former members of a sports club based in Ostrava at the time of their achievement, or have made an exceptionally significant contribution to sport in the city.

The winners are selected by the relevant bodies of the City of Ostrava.

Results of the Athlete of the Year 2025 Awards:

Best Individual Athlete

Karolína Maňasová

Karolína Maňasová is an exceptional Czech sprinter specialising in the 60-metre and 100-metre events and a member of the Vítkovice Sports Clubs Association.

In 2025, she won the European Under-23 Championship title in the 100 metres and advanced to the semi-finals at the Paris Olympic Games as part of the Czech relay team—the first Czech quartet to achieve this since 1972.

A multiple Czech national champion in both indoor and outdoor sprint events, she regularly achieves success on the international stage and ranks among the most prominent figures in Czech athletics.

Best Team

Sportovní Basketbalová Škola Ostrava (SBŠ Ostrava)

One of the leading women’s basketball clubs in the Czech Republic, SBŠ Ostrava has long been among the country’s elite teams.

The 2025/2026 season marked a historic breakthrough for the club, with a place in the semi-finals of the Czech Women’s Basketball League, victory in the Czech Cup, and triumph in the Central European Women League (CEWL).

The club also made its first appearance in the EuroCup Women competition. In addition to its senior achievements, SBŠ Ostrava is renowned for its successful youth development programme and the consistent success of its junior teams.

Talent of the Year

Barbora Bukovská

Barbora Bukovská is one of the most promising young talents in Czech cycling, competing in cyclo-cross and mountain biking (MTB) disciplines as a member of the DK BIKESHOP Racing Team.

In 2026, she became Junior World Champion in cyclo-cross and was named the youngest-ever winner of the prestigious Czech Cycling King Award.

Based on her performances at the World Championships, European Championships, and World Cup events, she was officially recognised as the most successful junior cyclist of the 2025/2026 winter season.

Best Para Athlete

Matyáš Frýdl

Matyáš Frýdl is a talented young para ice hockey player from the Moravian-Silesian Region and a member of the Ostrava Para Hockey Club.

Following a tragic accident in 2024, he discovered a new path through sport and rapidly progressed into the extended Czech national team squad, becoming its youngest member.

During the 2025/2026 season, he was one of the key players in the Czech para hockey league, making a significant contribution through his scoring and overall performance.

His determination, resilience, and sporting achievements make him an inspiring role model for many young people.

Sports Legend

Luděk Mikloško

Luděk Mikloško is a legendary Czech goalkeeper who represented both Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic and whose career is closely linked to FC Baník Ostrava.

He was among the pioneers of Czechoslovak footballers playing in the English Premier League, where he became a leading goalkeeper for West Ham United and later served as the club’s goalkeeping coach.

Since 2022, he has held the position of Sporting Director of FC Baník Ostrava and remains one of the most respected personalities in Czech football.

Socially Responsible Company

OSTRA GROUP a.s.

OSTRA GROUP has long supported sport at both regional and international levels.

The company is a major partner of the NH Ostrava basketball club, which, thanks in part to this support, has maintained its place in the Czech top division throughout more than seventy years of history without ever being relegated.

OSTRA GROUP is also the organiser of the international tennis tournament OSTRA GROUP OPEN and a partner of the OSTRA Tennis Extraliga, the highest Czech club tennis competition.

In motorsport, the company represents both the city and the region through its support of the FESH FESH team competing in the legendary Dakar Rally.

Through its long-term commitment to sport, youth development, and community engagement, OSTRA GROUP has become an exemplary model of corporate social responsibility in the Moravian-Silesian Region.

Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year

For the very first time in its history, the City of Ostrava presented an award entitled Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year.

The award is intended for craft-based entrepreneurs headquartered in Ostrava, whether operating as sole traders or legal entities. Eligible candidates were micro-enterprises that had either recently started their business activities or significantly expanded their operations during the previous year.

The award included a financial grant of CZK 50,000 as a token of appreciation for representing the city through support for local entrepreneurship and the development of traditional crafts.

“The objective of this award is, among other things, to strengthen the local business environment, increase the visibility of small entrepreneurs, and enhance the attractiveness of Ostrava for investors and business partners by highlighting the city’s entrepreneurial potential.

"A total of 38 entrepreneurs applied to become Ostrava’s Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year, and 17 of them met all eligibility requirements in accordance with the competition rules,” explained Deputy Mayor Lucie Baránková Vilamová, who presented the award. “I consider this a very encouraging number for the inaugural year of the competition. Looking ahead, I believe there is considerable potential for even greater participation in future editions.”

Supporting Local Entrepreneurship

For the first time in its history, the City of Ostrava has presented the Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year Award. The award is intended for craft entrepreneurs based in Ostrava, whether natural persons or legal entities. Eligible applicants had to fall within the category of micro-enterprises that were either newly established or had significantly developed their business activities over the past year. The award included a financial grant of CZK 50,000 as a token of appreciation for representing the city through support for local entrepreneurship and the development of craft industries.

“The aim of this award is, among other things, to strengthen the local business environment, increase the visibility of small entrepreneurs, and enhance the interest of investors and partners in Ostrava and its business potential. A total of 38 entrepreneurs applied to become our city’s Business Discovery of the Year, of whom 17 met the eligibility criteria in accordance with the competition rules,” summarized Deputy Mayor Lucie Baránková Vilamová, who presented the award. “I believe this is a very respectable number for the inaugural year, and I see considerable potential for an increase in the number of applicants in the future.”

Following the recommendation of the evaluation committee, which carefully reviewed all applications, the City Council selected the winner. The inaugural recipient of Ostrava’s Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year Award was Nikola Kočí for the project “TOČÍ Pralinky”.

The winning handmade chocolate praline business was evaluated as a well-conceived and functional entrepreneurial venture with a clearly defined product and proven market activity. The committee particularly appreciated the company’s stable operations, high product quality, existing employment base, plans for further expansion, and overall strong growth potential. The project was also recognized as a mature business concept with genuine commercial viability and the capacity for further development within the premium chocolate segment.

As part of the first year of the Entrepreneurial Discovery of the Year Award, the City of Ostrava also granted two honorary recognitions. Barbora Bezděková received recognition for entrepreneurship with a significant social impact and an original combination of technology and design. Kateřina Kolářová was honored for socially responsible entrepreneurship and an innovative approach combined with a substantial contribution to society.