Dozens of sports with the UP Academic Sports Centre, a dragon boat race, a hike through the Pomoraví region, an Olomouc bike ride, a run through Olomouc parks, a chess tournament, an afternoon with the PřesBar Expedition, a football tournament among FF departments, and a social gathering to wrap up a day full of activity and fun. UP Sports Day, featuring the most diverse lineup in history, will take place on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. All students and university staff are invited.
Every May, Palacký University organises a day filled with sports and physical activity for its staff and students. As always, this year's event will offer a wide range of indoor and outdoor sports and physical activities for groups and individuals.
"This popular event is an integral part of our year-round efforts to promote physical activity, fitness, and a healthy lifestyle—not only among our staff and students. We will definitely continue this established tradition, for which we are preparing a whole new concept for sports and sports facilities at UP," said Rector Michael Kohajda. He will personally be a crew member on one of the dragon boats in the university-wide competition, which is part of Sports Day for the very first time. "I consider this sport to be a very attractive team, athletic, and social occasion," he added.
Pole dancing and American football for the first time
Registration for dozens of sports opened today at the UP Academic Sports Centre (ASC). Among the most popular options are morning yoga, tennis, circuit training, indoor cycling, beach volleyball, basketball, badminton, archery, canoeing, and scooters. But they're not afraid to offer something new either; this year, fans can try American football, baseball, or pole dancing. "Sports Day is the perfect opportunity to relax actively, meet new people, and experience the university community differently than in the classroom, "says Martina Štanclová on behalf of "Akademik ".
Eight crews, eight drummers
Making its debut under the banner of UP Sports Day is a university-wide dragon boat race, where experience doesn't matter—what counts is teamwork, rhythm, and the desire to try something new. Teams registered by April 28 will receive matching race T-shirts, and the top three will take home a trophy.
Walking, running, and cycling for the first time this year
On the other hand, the traditional hiking trip needs no introduction; this year, walking enthusiasts can set out on a 16-kilometre route through the Litovelské Pomoraví Protected Landscape Area. The Jiří Hronek Memorial – the Olomouc Parks Run - also regularly draws a full field of participants, offering several route lengths ranging from recreational distances to a full 42-kilometre marathon. A new addition to this year's sports day is the Olomouc bike ride, which will take cycling enthusiasts along routes that are usually reserved for cars.
A popular chess tournament
Every year, dozens of chess players from UP compete in a university-wide chess tournament held at the Faculty of Science. "We have been organising this tournament since 2023 as a possibility for everyone who has a passion for chess or wants to return to the game after some time. Our goal is to offer the university a gathering centred around a game that combines focus, strategy, and fair competition. Its charm lies in the tension of the matches and often in the fact that familiar faces meet again after a year, "says organiser Filippos Georgiadis.
Exercise for everyone, without exception
A unique part of this year's Sports Day is an afternoon with the PřesBar Expedition. This initiative, which has long connected students, educators, and people with disabilities through shared athletic challenges and pushing personal boundaries, will take place starting at 3:00 p.m. at Letňák.
"Our goal is to show that exercise is for everyone—without exception. At the sports day, we'll offer a diverse programme full of activities and inspiration for all generations, and there will be music as well. Visitors will take home not only an experience but also a new perspective on the possibilities of inclusive sports, "explains Michaela Střelecká on behalf of the expedition.
The Faculty of Arts meets on the football field
The Faculty of Arts' football tournament, the Dean's Cup, will be held for the fifteenth time this year. This traditional five-a-side football tournament takes place in a friendly atmosphere, with massive fan support every year. "On the field, players from the third division or district leagues face off against people who hardly ever play football. People from different departments get to meet in a way they wouldn't under normal circumstances, "said student Jaroslav Zahrádka, captain of last year's winning team from the Department of Media and Cultural Studies and Journalism. Teams are composed so that there is always at least one doctoral student or faculty member in the field. Registration is already open, and we look forward to seeing both familiar and new faces," invites main organiser Jakub Strýček, a doctoral student from the Department of Czech Studies.
Closing with refreshments and music
At the end of the day, the Akademik Sport Centre invites all participants to gather at the Doga pub on the Envelopa Dormitory grounds, where an accompanying programme, unconventional sports, and activities for children will be available starting at 3:00 p.m. At 5:00 p.m., Salih Hadžiabdić, singer of the band No Barriers and a well-known Olomouc musician, will perform.
Palacký University Sports Day
- For students and staff at Palacký University
- May 13, 2026
- All activities are free for the university community
- A university-wide day off has been declared
Choose an activity and register at https://www.upol.cz/en/sports-day/.