Not everything is measured in seconds. Training camp builds both athletes and character.

From 3 to 5 July 2026, the young athletes of ŠK Jablonica left the athletics track behind and headed to the beautiful surroundings of Dolná Raková Forest Lodge, just a few kilometres from Jablonica. Over three days, the training camp became much more than a series of workouts. It provided an opportunity for the children to develop not only as athletes, but also as responsible, confident and supportive young people.

The camp was organised and led by Marek and Marcela Polakovič, with valuable support from Tomáš and Boba Zavadil. The group was also joined by Palko Poláček, who, despite recovering from an injury, came to support the children and share in the team spirit throughout the weekend.

Training sessions were naturally combined with outdoor activities. The athletes took part in hiking, conditioning exercises, coordination drills, balance training on a slackline, movement games and a variety of team challenges. Every activity encouraged communication, cooperation and mutual support.

Camp life also included everyday responsibilities. The children collected firewood, prepared the campfire, helped organise refreshments and looked after the shared facilities. These simple tasks taught them that every member of the team plays an important role and that success is built through cooperation.

These moments perfectly illustrate that sport is about far more than times, distances or medals. Learning responsibility, helping others, respecting teammates and building lasting friendships are just as important as improving athletic performance.

The evenings ended around the campfire, where stories, laughter and shared experiences created memories that will remain long after the training sessions are over.

At ŠK Jablonica, we believe that successful athletes are shaped not only by competitions and training sessions, but also by experiences that build strong character. For three unforgettable days, Dolná Raková Forest Lodge became a place where our young athletes grew both as sportspeople and as individuals.

A sincere thank you goes to all the coaches, organisers and parents whose dedication made this memorable training camp possible.