The stage is set for an exciting sports, educational and cultural exchange as the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC, and the Honorary Consulate of the Czech Republic in Atlanta join forces to introduce two distinguished Czech Sports Ambassadors, Daniela Nacházelová and Libor Volf, to Atlanta, a city steeped in Czechia's sporting history.

From October 16-18, 2023, Daniela Nacházelová and Libor Volf will host a series of workshops, discussions, and meetings with Atlanta's youth, students, athletes, and business leaders. The itinerary includes engaging sports workshops in collaboration with organizations such as Soccer in the Streets and Agape, enlightening presentations at Brenau University, and essential meetings at City Hall and the Lake Lanier Olympic Club.

"Sport is a universal language. Czechia is proud to have sports ambassadors who exemplify the transformative power of sports in achieving social change, fostering mutual understanding, and nurturing personal growth. We believe that Czech Sports Diplomacy in Atlanta will open countless hearts and doors for Czechia in the Atlanta area," states Miloslav Stašek, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to the United States of America.

Atlanta holds a special place in Czechia's sporting legacy. During the 1996 Olympic Games, Czechia sent 115 athletes, who clinched a total of 11 medals, including 4 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze. Notably, three of these medals were earned in canoeing, with Martin Doktor securing two gold medals.

Now, the tradition continues as another water sport representative, former Czech professional rower and acclaimed book author Daniela Nacházelová, graces Atlanta. Throughout her illustrious rowing career, Nacházelová not only received a rowing scholarship to Washington State University but also amassed medals at World Cups and World Championships. At just 24 years of age, she embarked on her rowing entrepreneurial journey, delving into fast boat designs, manufacturing processes, marketing, and the future of this captivating water sport. Today, she is recognized as a celebrated sports book author and sports diplomat, blazing a trail for female professional rowers.

Moreover, with the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 already building in Atlanta, the city eagerly welcomes Libor Volf, the founder of the Volf Soccer Academy. Over the past five years, Volf has collaborated with some of the world's finest youth academies, including La Masia (FC Barcelona), Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, and Valencia CF. He has also personally overseen dedicated training camps in the Czech Republic, Germany, Spain, Iceland, Uganda, the US (Los Angeles), Dubai, and Cairo. Notably, his efforts in Uganda have resulted in the establishment of a full-time VSA academy in Kampala, where he not only nurtures young talents' soccer skills but also provides access to education.

Czech Sports Diplomacy – ready, set, go!

For more information, please contact Jan Woska, Cultural Attaché at the Czech Embassy, at jan_woska@mzv.cz.