During the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Prague European Open, European Judo Union President, Dr TOTH Laszlo and Czech Judo Federation President, Pavel VOLEK, gave the welcome words before commencing with a special awarding ceremony.
Toth began,
Prague is a home to us, a few years ago they hosted a very successful Senior European Championships and every year they prove that they are a great engine, supporting our judo activity. I am happy to see 37 nations, more than 350 athletes, a new generation providing new competition, this event gives an opportunity to athletes who are looking to qualify for the Los Angeles Olympic Games, some here may even take a medal.
Volek was delighted to welcome athletes from around the world to this event,
As you know this is the first big European event after the Olympic Games, we are extremely happy and proud to organise this tournament, thanks to the EJU and President Dr Laszlo Toth for this opportunity.
Following the gracious words, both Toth and Volek welcomed former Czech Judo Federation President of 12 years, Jiri DOLEJS, firstly to present him with his 7th Dan, and to recognise his tremendous contribution to his federation over his lifetime, he was awarded the Order of Merit from the European Judo Union.
Now this wasn’t always the desire of Dolejs and he didn’t envision a presidency as a young athlete, but was invited to take up the task if he desired change. Now seeing how far judo has come, the transformations, he can be proud of the hard work he delivered and the sacrifices made in order to achieve great things.
As an athlete, I really had no intention of entering this level, we had our opinions of politics and sometimes didn’t agree, so I was encouraged to take a position at a regional level. If I wanted things to be different, I had to be a change maker. Now seeing the difference, especially in the past ten years of judo, is amazing in terms of marketing and the production of events. With the advancement, there came television demands, and of course more money but what we offer the judo community now is special.
I was very happy as president, because I had a good team. I had contributed something to the careers of the athletes and coaches. I can say I’m very happy today because President of the European Judo Union, Dr Toth, granted us his presence today on this special occasion.
In my younger years, during my time in judo, I can say that I worked very hard and was fortunate to travel a lot, but in doing so I neglected time with my family. Now I am home, enjoying time with my grandchildren and this is my favourite thing to do, I loved my job but with it comes a lot of sacrifices but I had wonderful support. I admire the work of our national federation presidents because I know what it takes, to be on the road, and to our EJU President, he has dedicated much of his life and to be here with us this weekend means a great deal.
Celebrating his 70th birthday this year in fact coincided with the presentation of his 7th Dan, but there was another reason that Dr Toth, Vice President, Catarina RODRIGUES and Head Referee Director, Alexandr JATSKEVITCH were invited to this event. Former Vice President of the European Judo Union, Michal VACHUN celebrated his 80th birthday this year and will be awarded his 9th Dan. He is the first one in the history of the Czech Judo Federation to receive this great recognition, however was unable to attend the European Open. A celebration of Vachun’s achievements will be arranged at a future date.
Author: Thea Cowen