May 27, 2026

World Fair Play DayMarked in Šahy, Slovakia

On May 20, the Fair Play Club of the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee held its 2025 Fair Play Awards ceremony, joining the worldwide celebration of World Fair Play Day and promoting the values of respect, friendship, integrity, and sportsmanship in sport and everyday life.

The host city was Šahy, and the event was organized in cooperation with the City Hall of Šahy and the Alajos Szokolyi Olympic Club, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of its existence. The club is named after Alajos Szokolyi (1871–1932), who was born in Šahy. Of Slovak ancestry, he competed for Hungary during the era of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896, he won a bronze medal in the 100 metres. In athletics, the most-watched sport of the Games, he wore bib number 1, becoming the first athlete to start in the modern Olympic Games.

Anton Siekel, President of the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee (SOŠV), thanked everyone in his opening speech for the opportunity to meet remarkable and inspiring people who act in the spirit of fair play.

The celebration was attended by distinguished guests from Hungary, including Jenő Kamuti, two-time Olympic medalist and honorary president of the International Fair Play Committee, and Daniel Gyurta, Olympic champion, president of the Hungarian Olympic Academy, and member of the International Olympic Committee.

During the ceremony, held in the theatre hall of the Šahy Town Hall, awards were presented to individuals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the ideals of fair play throughout their lives and careers. The highest honor, the Fair Play Award of the Slovak Olympic and Sports Committee (SOŠV), was presented to former Czechoslovak national handball player and World Championship silver medalist Jana Kuťková for her lifelong dedication to fair play as an athlete, coach, and educator. The award was presented by SOŠV President Anton Siekel, Fair Play Club Chairwoman Katarína Ráczová, and Honorary President of the International Fair Play Committee Jenő Kamuti.

In her closing speech, Katarína Ráczová highlighted: “True greatness lies not in defeating others, but in helping one another — even when it means sacrificing our own advantage. May we carry these values in our hearts, not only in sport but also in everyday life. Even in the most difficult moments, may we always remain human — guided by respect, humility, and the willingness to help others.”