Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
She is a multi-talented person, they say about the Slovak racer
Viktória Chladoňová (second from left) in her Team Visma Lease a Bike colours. (source: X/Team Visma | Lease a Bike Women)
Viktória Chladoňová, one of Slovakia’s brightest sporting talents, is set to make her debut in international cycling as part of the elite Dutch team Visma Lease a Bike. The team has high hopes for her future.
“Viki is a multi-talented rider – strong in time trials, climbing and technically skilled,” said Rutger Tijssen, the team’s sports director, in an interview with Belgian sports news outlet Sporza. Visma is building a young and ambitious squad: more than half of its 18 riders are at the start of their careers.
Chladoňová has the perfect environment to develop her skills, and big challenges await her in her first season. She will make her debut on March 6 at the Vuelta Extremadura, followed by prestigious classics like the Amstel Gold Race, the Flèche Wallonne, and the Liège-Bastogne-Liège race, culminating in her Grand Tour debut in July.
A safe place for LGBTI+ people is opening in Bratislava
The Inakosť initiative is opening the 'In' Community and Integration Centre in Bratislava as a safe space to offer psychological, social and legal support for LGBTI+ individuals and their loved ones. To mark the occasion, a plaque was unveiled on Zámocká Street honouring Juraj Vankulič and Matúš Horváth, who lost their lives in a homophobic terrorist attack in front of the Tepláreň gay bar in October 2022.
“This centre was created despite, not thanks to, state support. At a time when LGBTI+ rights are increasingly under threat, such a space is essential,” said Martin Macko, director of Inakosť. The initiative warns that conditions for LGBTI+ people are worsening, driven by growing hate and political rhetoric.
Central European universities create digital map of pilgrimage sites
The digital map of pilgrimage sites. (source: europepilgrime.eu)
Universities in Central Europe, along with passionate travellers, have developed a unique digital platform for pilgrimage tourism enthusiasts. The newly launched website provides a detailed guide to the most important pilgrimage destinations across the V4 countries: Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Poland and Hungary.
The organisers note that pilgrimage traditions remain an integral part of Central European culture, reinforcing both national and Christian identity while fostering a sense of unity and community. Many pilgrimage sites host rich cultural programmes, featuring folk music and traditional pilgrim attire.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
A unique ice tower created in northern Slovakia is luring climbers from all over the country.
A new English-language theatre voice in Bratislava steps into the spotlight.
Freezing weather has created an ice spectacle in one of Slovakia's most beautiful parks.
An American with Slovak roots is planning to bring a gym with Venice Beach vibes to Slovakia.
SAV scientists are forging ahead with advances that promise to improve diabetes treatment.
Meme of the week
Caption: Hundreds of reports of suspicious odours are currently being investigated in Bratislava.
Comment: "That's not gas... that's the country decaying."
This meme was published by the satirical collective Zomri on its Facebook page. It refers to a nauseating gassy odour that was reported by hundreds of people in Bratislava last Thursday. The authorities said there was no danger, but failed to explain what was causing the smell. Commenters suggested creating a Ministry of Smell along the lines of the Ministry of Sport, which was created just over a year ago and is now being traded among the governing coalition parties as if it were merely a source of patronage.
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
