The World Sokol Federation is proud to announce that the first edition of the Worldwide Sokol Walk 2026 was successfully held on 30–31 May 2026, bringing together Sokol members, families, friends and supporters in a shared celebration of unity, remembrance and physical activity. The event was organized under the official patronage of the World Sokol Federation, with the Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol of the USA serving as the official host of the 2026 edition.
The idea of the Worldwide Sokol Walk was both simple and deeply meaningful. Participants around the world were invited to complete a relaxed 5 km walk, individually, with their families, or as groups organized by local Sokol units. There was no registration fee and no timing requirement. The purpose was not competition, but participation, fraternity and the visible expression of Sokol solidarity across borders.
This first global Sokol walk also carried an important historical message. It commemorated the signing of the Pittsburgh Agreement on 31 May 1918 and the historic march of 28,000 Czechs and Slovaks through Pittsburgh, an event connected with the aspirations for freedom, cooperation and national self-determination. By walking together in many places around the world, contemporary Sokols symbolically referred to this historic moment and showed that the Sokol idea remains alive, active and relevant today.
In his official invitation, the President of the World Sokol Federation, Dr. Damian Małecki, encouraged member organizations, local units and individual Sokols to take part in this unique international initiative. He emphasized that for more than 160 years the Sokol movement has built a global community based on the ideals of a healthy body, a strong spirit and democratic values. The Worldwide Sokol Walk became an opportunity to express these ideals in a practical and joyful way, open to all members and supporters of the Sokol movement.
According to the reports received from participating organizations, the first Worldwide Sokol Walk 2026 gathered a total of 697 participants from six countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Poland, the United States, Canada and Serbia.
The largest group was reported by Česká obec sokolská, with 334 participants. Strong participation was also recorded in Serbia, where 152 participants joined the initiative. Sokol USA reported 82 participants, while Poland recorded 154 participants from several local groups. Sokol Slovakia contributed 40 participants, and Sokol in Canada reported 8 participants. 770 participants in total!
This event shows the strength of the international Sokol family and confirms that simple, accessible and meaningful initiatives can connect Sokol communities across continents. Although the walk was not a competitive event, the collected reports clearly demonstrate the willingness of Sokols around the world to take part in common activities and to express their unity through physical movement, remembrance and fraternity.
The visit abroad of the President of the World Sokol Federation also provided the backdrop for a special moment of gratitude. President Damian Małecki, on behalf of the World Sokol Federation, presented Joe Bielecki with a commemorative engraved plaque. The award was given in appreciation of Bielecki’s outstanding hospitality, commitment and leadership as the host of the first edition of the Worldwide Sokol Walk.
The World Sokol Federation thanks all national organizations, local units, group leaders, volunteers, families and individual participants who took part in this historic first edition. Special thanks go to the Slovak Gymnastic Union Sokol of the USA for hosting the 2026 edition and to everyone who documented the walk through photographs and videos.
The success of the Worldwide Sokol Walk 2026 confirms that the Sokol movement continues to unite people through physical activity, friendship, remembrance and service to shared values. This first edition showed that even a simple walk can become a powerful sign of international cooperation and Sokol fraternity.
The World Sokol Federation hopes that the Worldwide Sokol Walk will become a permanent part of the international Sokol calendar and that future editions will continue to strengthen cooperation among Sokol organizations around the world.
