On Saturday, the Czech Volleyball Federation (CVF) held its General Assembly at the International Hotel Prague. This significant event, crucial for setting the future direction of Czech Volleyball, takes place only once every four years. This year, it welcomed a record 150 delegates with voting rights, alongside numerous international guests. Among the attendees was CEV President Roko Sikirić, who delivered a speech praising Czech Volleyball`s rich history, notable achievements, and its status as a `cradle` of European Volleyball.
CVF President Marek Pakosta officially opened the General Assembly, extending a warm welcome to both the delegates and the distinguished guests present. These included CEV President Roko Sikirić, CEV First Vice President Ivan Knezevic, MEVZA President Valentina Bifflin, and the Presidents of the National Federations of Serbia, Hungary, and Montenegro. Following the opening, the Assembly bodies were elected, and President Pakosta presented a report summarising the Federation`s activities over the previous term.
The primary focus of the agenda was the election of the new CVF leadership. The delegates confirmed Marek Pakosta for his third consecutive term at the helm of the organisation.
Speaking immediately after his re-election, Pakosta said, “I would like to thank you all for your trust, which I value immensely. Leading such a large and successful association is both an honour and a commitment. I am eager to continue working with my colleagues from the CVF leadership in the next period to further advance Czech Volleyball and achieve new goals. My personal aspiration and great motivation are for Czech Volleyball to maintain its current third place among team sports domestically, while simultaneously strengthening its position and earning respect on the international stage.”
The delegates also elected the other members of the 13-strong CVF Management Committee: Daniel Bartek, Martin Gerža, Ing. Radek Hacaperka, Aneta Havlíčková, MUDr. Petr Juda, Jakub Lejsek, Roman Macek, MUDr. Vít Mařík, Bc. Jakub Novotný, Vavřinec Pečinka, Petr Šotola, and Ing. Tomáš Zedník. This newly formed statutory body includes representatives from the women’s and men’s extraligas, Beach Volleyball, and other key areas. In a subsequent session, new members were elected to the Control and Revision Commission of the CVF: Vladimír Tabara, Ing. Jiří Čermák, Ing. Jiří Kmoníček, Josef Klapal, and Petr Beran.
Constructive Atmosphere and Future Goals
The General Assembly was conducted in a very friendly and constructive atmosphere. This was particularly evident during the final discussion, where delegates had the opportunity to present comments and requests directly to the CVF leadership.
Marek Pakosta, a former successful Volleyball player and Olympian, has led the Czech Volleyball Federation since 2017. His tenure has seen several significant achievements for Czech Volleyball, including the successful hosting of international tournaments, improved financial stability, impressive international results, and increased support for youth categories.
At the close of his speech, Pakosta added, “There are further challenges ahead, and to meet them, I will again rely on the cooperation and support of both the entire CVF Management Committee and my colleagues from our association. We aim to continue consolidating financial independence and stability, achieve sporting results at the international level, and also develop Volleyball at lower levels. An important topic is creating a new concept for media coverage to reach new fans and increase the value of Czech Volleyball products. Lastly, we will continue the further modernisation of IT technologies and applications, including modern e-recording.”
The Czech Volleyball Federation holds its elective General Assembly every four years, typically after the Olympic Games. As the federation’s supreme body, it is responsible for deciding long-term directions, strategic goals, and electing the leadership.
Delegates left Saturday’s meeting not only with new information but, more importantly, with a positive outlook and motivation for continued collaboration. With its newly confirmed leadership and clear objectives, Czech Volleyball enters the next period with optimism and the resolve to maintain its chosen course.
The next General Assembly of the Czech Volleyball Federation is scheduled for 2029, where the leadership will again present an account of their work, and delegates will decide whether to continue the current path or make changes.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood