Faces

“Systematic, strenuous, with analytic thinking – Viliam Novák is a great scientist and academic. I am pleased to get him known and grateful for an opportunity working professionally together. Moreover, we also shared for quite a time our common sport passion, which is running, and we still regularly meet on Sunday mornings in the forest for common health enhancing physical activities. It is such a privilege to have him on the board! He keeps a high moral profile in our sporting group.”

Who is Michal Guttmann?
Significant national contributor, well-known European patent attorney, with thousands of inventions patented in the field of chemistry and pharmacy, who contributed enormously to the several international project outcomes under the leaderships of the Slovak Republic. Michal Guttmann is an enthusiastic runner, responsible for the work with senior categories within the sport club. Former high-level runner, he is an advisor on matters of active aging and inclusion of seniors into sport activities within the project EU Sport Values Diplomacy.

“I was very happy to see Viliam Novák on the starting list of our traditional running event in Levice in May 2023. I remembered him from my sports career many decades ago and was amazed that he has not changed at all. After so many years, I met again a charming, amusing and wise man. After finishing his running performance in Levice, he gave a great interview for the television about our sports competition, highlighting especially sports virtues. His modest approach made us speechless, and we were happy to award him with a trophy for the oldest athlete of the event. However, Vilko surprised us all also with his running result and finished on the podium with twenty years younger competitors. His amazing sports result in Levice was just like an icing on the cake!”

Who is Mária Kuriačková?
Leading Slovak triathlete, successful coach and sports manager. Capitalising on her outstanding sport and coaching achievements, she runs her own swimming school and is dedicated to the development of swimming literacy in children and youth. She is currently a member of the Levice City Council and has on her political agenda a development of sport in the city and region. She is the initiator and coordinator of a number of projects aimed at social inclusion through sport. She works closely with at-risk and vulnerable groups, including pensioners from the Levice Retirement Home.

“I am delighted to be part of the group “Runners from Železná studnička” where I met Viliam Novák. He is a wonderful person – kind, with a huge overall knowledge, pleasant to talk and despite his age, we can hardly keep his running pace during trainings or races. We all admire his life approach, vitally and optimisms. When waking up on Sunday, I am always sure that my day will be just beautiful after our common running workout in the forest. He makes our days brighter every Sunday, no matter how good or bad it might start. Simply privileged to know him.”

Who is Tomáš Poláček?
Legal Counsel at HB Reavis, Legal Associate with a demonstrated history of working in the legal services for international clients. Skilled in M&A, Legal Advice, Legal Compliance, Corporate Law and Tax Law. Member of the Slovak Bar Association since 2018. Working with significant sport stakeholders, such as the Slovak Olympic Academy, Slovak Pierre de Coubertin Committee, and National Sport Centre, just to mention a few of them. Supported all the sports events organised in the framework of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2016. Author of several publications and articles on values of sport, such as Coubertin Academy – Social Inclusion through Sport Values.

"It was very inspirational to learn that a popular Slovak scientist Viliam Novák actively promotes sport values throughout his entire life. In his eighties, being still an active runner, he absolutely belongs to the most influencing personalities in the world of sport. I still have in my mind engaging discussions with him on the potential of sports values in today's global world. I was impressed by his life approach on multiculturalism, which took us even beyond the borders of the European Union. With more than 120 marathons and ultramarathons, including Boston, New York, London, Berlin, or Paris marathon, he fully deserves a huge admiration for his sports achievements. An icing on the cake was his ambition to compete internationally in long-distance runs to celebrate his 80th birthday. That is just breath-taking and worth sharing!”

Who is Julián Vojtech?
Digitally and technically supported all the sports events organised in the framework of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2016. Leading and directing many national initiatives in ICT and physical education, including curriculum and qualifications development, Olympic related matters and presenting internationally and nationally. Being responsible for policy development for ICT and physical education/sport, invited to numerous international conferences abroad. Currently a freelancer with a close affinity to sport, working with significant sport stakeholders, such as the Slovak Olympic Academy, Slovak Pierre de Coubertin Committee, National Sport Centre, just to mention a few of them.

“When I met Viliam Novák for the first time, I was impressed by his vitality and optimisms. I admired his sports achievements and congratulated him to all his sports successes. However, after a couple of minutes I understood that apart from sports personality, I spoke to an extraordinary person, with interest in fine arts, a deep understanding of music and generous approach, eager to share all his knowledge with others. I am extremely honoured and delighted that our life paths crossed and had an opportunity to know him in person.”

Who is Jordana Palovičová?
Leading Slovak pianist, laureate of many national and international competitions. She has performed as a soloist with leading Slovak and foreign orchestras. In 2016, she was awarded the Ján Cikker Prize for active dissemination of the composer's works. Currently, she is an associate professor at the Department of Keyboard Instruments and Church Music of the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava. Collaboration and expert advice for the link between culture and sport in international projects supported by the European Union's Erasmus+ programme. Expert consultant in the development of several documents on sports diplomacy during the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2016.

“Viliam Novák is the humblest athlete I have ever met. He is incredible in everything he does – professional achievements, family relations, hobbies... He is highly recognised scientist and academic, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, passionate runner, pleasant companion and a cool friend. His nature and character are overarching components, which make him so unique and extraordinary. Simply the best!”

Who is Eva Corticelli?
Board member of the Slovak Olympic Academy and Coordinator for communication, in charge of development, innovations and cooperation within this entity. Interpreter and moderator for sports and Olympics related events at the Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic during a conference Education in and through Sport organized at the occasion of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union 2016. Translating and interpreting materials and events related to Olympism and sport, including the 10th International Coubertin Youth Forum organised in Slovakia. Facilitating and supporting activities promoting sport, Olympic values, and education.