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Mutual Inspirations Festival 2021 - Věra Čáslavská


Starstruck!

November 26, 2021, 10:30 AM

The Czech Embassy celebrates all the children who have been starstruck by Czech athletes and who strive to achieve the same level of fitness and success. Inspired by Czech greats such as Olympic gymnast Věra Čáslavská, Paralympic swimmer Martin Kovář, Olympic alpine skier Ester Ledecká, Olympic marathon runner Emil Zátopek, Olympic runner Jaroslava Jehličková, and soccer player Lukáš Masopust, the Embassy received photos of some of the sports stars of the future! 

Face Transplants Offer Hope

Face Transplants Offer Hope

November 18, 2021, 9:11 AM

Dr. Bohdan Pomahač, a pioneer in the field of Reconstructive and Plastic Surgery, gave an inspiring lecture  last evening - "The Untold Story Behind the First Face Transplant in the United States." He presented his perspective on performing face transplant surgeries with his team, as well as the challenges, accomplishments, and the journey ahead. Through his perseverance, he helped to give hope again to those who had suffered horrific injuries. He called those who went through the surgery "courageous," for he said that there is always the possibility of rejection of the donor face transplant. Dr. Pomahač also overcame many obstacles to make a better life for those without a face. For the journey ahead, he believes that medicine will be a key coponent for one's immune system in finding ways to treat patients post surgery. 

Play Draws Applause, Discussion

Play Draws Applause, Discussion

November 12, 2021, 9:40 AM

ExPats Theatre presented a moving performance of Pankrác ’45 by Czech playwright Martina Kinská as part of a special "Czech night" at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on November 11, 2021, at 7:30 pm. The play's story is set in Prague’s Pankrác prison, where five women accused of Nazi collaboration share a cell. Each keeps a secret. Each knows the gallows await. The Czech Embassy's Head of Public Diplomacy, Lukas Pribyl, spoke at a talkback following the play, giving historical context and perspective on the characters' situations in the story. In the talkback, audience members said they appreciated the viewpoints from each of the characters and contemplated what they would do in a given situation. 

New Fairytale Screened Outdoors

New Fairytale Screened Outdoors

October 22, 2021, 9:03 AM

In connection to the Kids Euro Fest last evening, the Czech Embassy presented the fairytale Princess Cursed in Time (Princezna zkletá v čase) on its large outdoor screen under the stars. Guests sipped hot apple cider watching the film in the crisp autumn weather. Cultural Attaché Jan Woska welcomed the community to the screening. In the film, a princess relives the same day over and over in hopes of saving her kingdom from the coming darkness. She must kill the evil witch who cursed her or find true love. If she fails, the kingdom will be destroyed by a dark storm. The princess has one last chance to save herself and the kingdom. Overall, it was a magical night of film.

Pianist Receives Standing Ovation

Pianist Receives Standing Ovation

October 19, 2021, 9:01 AM

What a memorable night! David Kalhous received a standing ovation last evening at the Czech Embassy for his beautiful performance of such pieces as Ballade in F minor, Op. 52 by Chopin and On an Overgrown Path by Janáček. Deputy Chief of Mission Světlana Doboszova was pleased to welcome the community back to the Embassy for an evening of classical music and commentary! 

Fitness Challenge

Fitness Challenge

October 13, 2021, 8:00 PM

The Czech Embassy's outside space turned into a training facility with DC’s leading personal trainer and fitness specialist, Czech-American Tomas Trnka, on October 13 as part of the Embassy's focus on sports diplomacy. Fitness enthusiasts worked out together, following Trnka’s guidance on proper form and best exercises to target certain muscle groups and get in shape. Afterwards, Trnka answered questions, shared his ten wellness tips, and emphasized that, “Your body is a machine. There is no secret. Move daily and laugh every day!”

Celebrating Olympic Athletes

Celebrating Olympic Athletes

September 21, 2021, 9:00 AM

Over 500 people attended the Czech Embassy’s Olympic Village on September 18, celebrating the accomplishments of Czech Olympic athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, as part of the Mutual Inspirations Festival 2021 honoring Věra Čáslavská.

Czech Ice Hockey Heritage Night

Czech Ice Hockey Heritage Night

September 15, 2021, 11:00 AM

Czech Ice Hockey Heritage Night evoked patriotic spirit at the Czech Embassy on September 14! Attendees enjoyed the acclaimed documentary "The Nagano Tapes," practiced their ice hockey skills in the virtual "arena" by Sense Arena, and tested their hockey knowledge.

Festival Remembers Star

Festival Remembers Star

September 03, 2021, 11:00 AM

The Embassy opened the Mutual Inspirations Festival on September 2, at 7:45 pm, with the screening of director Olga Sommerová's documentary Věra 68, revealing the incredible life story of our festival personality - Olympic champion Věra Čáslavská. Cultural Attaché Jan Woska kicked off the event speaking about Věra's life and legacy, while photographs (provided by the Czech Olympic Committee) of her extraordinary achievements were displayed on the big screen and along the Embassy's front railing. Woska also played a short piece  of Čáslavská winning one of her many medals. As the stars twinkled in the clear skies, one could only hope that Věra was smiling down from above.
 
 
Festival Banner Personality Announced

Festival Banner Personality Announced

June 24, 2021, 3:55 PM

The Embassy of the Czech Republic honors Věra Čáslavská, via its twelfth annual Mutual Inspirations Festival. Věra Čáslavská (1942 –2016) was an incredible athlete, winning a total of 34 medals, including 22 gold medals, at the Olympic Games and at the World and European championships in the 1950s and 60s. She was also a strong advocate of democracy in former communist Czechoslovakia. Despite her absolute dominance at the 1968 Olympic Games, she was penalized by her own government for her subtle act of defiance upon the podium against the Soviet invasion of her nation. Over twenty years later with the fall of the totalitarian regime in 1989, she was able to gain the recognition she had been denied. She became the President of the Czech Olympic Committee and served as an advisor to late President Václav Havel.
 
In celebration of her achievements and courage, the festival will focus on mutual transatlantic inspirations and, in promotion of everyone’s good health and fitness, the legacy of an Olympian we can all be inspired by.

Photo courtesy of the National Museum in Prague

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