Place: Tyrš House and Michna Palace, Prague
Date: 13–17 May 2026
Project Manager: Jitka Puldová

INTRODUCTION

In mid-May, the historic spaces of Tyrš House and Michna Palace on Prague’s Malá Strana came alive with the 29th TAFISA World Congress (The Association For International Sport for All). Hosted primarily by the Czech Sokol Organization, the event carried a strong and timely theme: “Sport for All: Building Bridges for Inclusion, Equity, and Harmony.” At a time when the world is seeking ways to foster greater cohesion, the Prague congress demonstrated that sport for all is not merely a leisure activity but a key tool for systemic change, overcoming barriers, and connecting generations and cultures.

SCIENTIFIC PROGRAM

The five-day program offered an exceptionally diverse and interactive platform for sharing experiences. Traditional formats were enriched by innovative sections such as the House of Commons Debate, where speakers addressed inclusion quotas and requirements for measuring the impact of local projects, and the World Café, dedicated to peacebuilding in divided societies.

Thematic blocks covered a wide range of challenges – from the impact of screen time on youth, to climate justice, to the role of sport in refugee integration. The voice of the younger generation resonated strongly through the REACH Youth Task Force-led session. Concurrently with the main program, the Scientia Movens conference provided valuable space for master’s and PhD students to present their research on sustainable lifestyles and sport physiology. Delegates also began each day actively – with joint morning runs, walks, or swimming directly in the venue.

SOCIAL PROGRAM AND NETWORKING

The TAFISA congress confirmed that sport and culture are inseparable. The Thursday Host Cultural Night introduced participants to Prague’s Art Nouveau gem, the Municipal House. In the Plzeňská restaurant, they tasted traditional Czech cuisine and enjoyed a performance by the Josef Vycpálek Folk Song and Dance Ensemble.

A truly unique highlight was the Saturday afternoon program in the Tyrš House courtyard, featuring interactive activities such as an orienteering run through historic Prague, historical fencing workshops, dance, and twirling. The congress culminated in a relaxed Street Food Festival, where a DJ provided music and atmosphere, creating an unforgettable setting for farewells and celebrating newly formed friendships.

CONCLUSION

The 29th TAFISA World Congress in Prague was more than a meeting of experts; it became a call to collective action. It offered inspiration and concrete tools for using sport to build a better, more inclusive world.

Huge thanks go to the host Czech Sokol Organization, all speakers, partners, and especially the delegates for their passion and active participation. The smooth and professional execution of this logistically complex event would not have been possible without the meticulous work of the GUARANT International team under the leadership of Project Manager Jitka Puldová. We look forward to seeing the bridges that the Sport for All movement will build in the coming years!