A Sporting Autumn at UNEX

One Friday of each September is now traditionally set aside for the UNEX CUP, a company five-a-side football tournament. The eighth annual tournament took place on 15 September this year, this time hosted by Sportovní klub Paseka. Organisational support, once again in keeping with tradition, was shared between UNEX a.s. and members of company trade unions.

A total of 9 teams representing individual departments and production facilities of the company took part in this year’s competition. Backed by strong support from the crowd, this year once again saw the participation of the all-women’s team “neohroŽENY”. (The name can be freely translated as “Fearless Ladies”. It is made up of the Czech word “neohrožený” - fearless, which also contains the word “ženy” - women). Both players and fans had to deal with relatively cold weather and cloudy skies, though fortunately the rain stayed away. While the footballers’ movement around the pitch kept them warm, the spectators mostly filled up on heat and energy with rich and tasty refreshments, but also, of course, by actively cheering on the teams. And the players rewarded them for it. More than 130 goals were scored in the course of the afternoon, so there was certainly something to see.

With the results had added up, CPM (Central Material Preparation) ultimately defended its title from last year. Representatives of the Heavy Engineering Production and Product Group finished as runners-up, while third place was claimed by a team from the Foundry and Forging Production and Product Group. The event also had a charitable touch: a rich tombola was prepared for visitors to the event, with the proceeds going to the “Fond ohrožených dětí KLOKÁNEK” (KANGAROO Foundation for Endangered Children) in Dlouhá Loučka.

A week later, in the afternoon of 21 September, the inaugural edition of the running race UNEX Run was held. We were inspired to organise the race by last year’s highly successful charity awareness event – UNEX Charity Business Run. By paying the starting fee, each participating employee donated money to a chosen regional foundation or non-profit organisation, with UNEX at least doubling the total amount. In addition to the financial proceeds and a good feeling from coming together to support a good cause, we stretched our bodies by walking or running over either 2.5 or 5 km, and since the sporting afternoon also included a lecture from this year’s chosen foundation, HAIMAOM at the Olomouc University Hospital, we learnt more about bone marrow transplantation and possibilities for getting involved in the donor programme. A total of 75 employees took part in this year’s UNEX Run. The presentation of a cheque worth CZK 45,000 to HAIMAOM would not have been possible without them.

Our thanks go to all visitors to the UNEX CUP for their participation, support and cheerful mood, while not forgetting all active participants in both events. We are looking forward to seeing you all again next year!