Niké Drops Anchor in Lower Area of Vítkovice (2. strana)

After OSTAR 72 I continued my solo circumnavigation around the world, which took me three years. Niké was then the second smallest vessel to complete such a journey, and it was a significant sports success, too. More navigation followed, e.g. sailing with kids around the Baltic sea, the team race from England to West Australia (Parmelia Race 1979), and two solo races circumnavigating the world, BOC Challenge 1982-83 and BOC Challenge 1986-87. Sport representation again. In one of the races I won two legs of the race and set five world records. Many more such events followed, each of them different and specific in their very own way. I decided to stay in the USA with my family because, after a two-year preparation for my first solo race around the world, I did not get the permit to participate, and left for the race anyway. I won two legs of the race, placed third, set five world records and was sentenced to eleven years in a Czech prison. There was no use coming back home. Yet I started another race as a Czech again. The new legislation after the “Velvet Revolution” revoked my citizenship, which I got back only in early 2015. That is why I now have dual citizenship, and my family and I owe the USA for granting us protection and conditions to work and live in those times when our homeland disowned us. You come from Bohumín. How do you see our region and its future? I have always been proud of my birthplace and region because it has always been home to painstaking busy people who often showed me understanding, respect, and support. When I lived there, the region was the most important and powerful region of our republic. Unfortunately, it dropped to the bottom in the shake-up following the Velvet Revolution, and is slowly yet surely rising thanks to the diligence of local people. I am absolutely convinced that it will again become the leading region because the local population is not afraid of fair work, no matter how hard. Niké is in Vítkovice. The U6 Science and Technology Centre (Malý Svět Techniky U6) in the Lower Area of Vítkovice is the new port for the famous boat Niké. Why did you choose this place, and what else does the exhibition offer? Niké was born in this region and this is where she belongs. Unfortunately, its destiny takes her to the National Technical Museum (Národní technické museum) in Prague. The Lower Area of Vítkovice is only a temporary stop. The exhibition introduces the youth to my Niké as well as its sports achievements and career, it allows them to learn more about the world, try out setting the sail or flying our state flag, and get inspired to make their own dreams and wishes come true. Are you preparing a programme, lectures, or photo exhibition to promote the exhibit? The exhibition will include interactive videos and presentations. I am hoping to hold meetings and lectures at schools and with the general public. The exhibition will open on March 10, 2020, and I sincerely and cordially invite you to come and see it. Thank you for the interview. -editorialPOSITIV 1/2020 ǀ 55