On 1 March 2025, there will be a change in the leadership position at the Cheb Municipal Sports Facilities Administration, an organisation responsible for the management and development of sports facilities in our town. Mr Jiří Kába will take up this significant role, replacing me following my own resignation. I have held the position of Director of the Cheb Municipal Sports Facilities Administration since 2020, when I was appointed with the aim of establishing a functioning organisation, improving the management of municipal sports facilities, and bringing modern and conceptual approaches to this area. Jiří Kába was selected for the director's position through a selection process held at the beginning of February. Jiří Kába, who was my closest colleague and right-hand man for most of my tenure, has gradually established himself as a competent and respected expert in sports property management. His technical expertise and ability to reflect the needs of the modern sports environment are key factors that led to his appointment.

Looking back, I realise that building a new organisation aimed at unifying and streamlining the running of sport in our town was a task that was not only organisationally demanding but also a great responsibility. We had to start from scratch – laying solid foundations on which the organisation could stand, whilst establishing rules that were not only functional but also transparent. As part of this process, we had to resolve issues ranging from financial arrangements and administrative structure to matters of communication and coordination between individual sports clubs, officials and other stakeholders. Simply defining these basic principles, according to which the organisation was to operate, took many months of intensive work, not only on my part but also on the part of everyone involved in the project. It was always essential to ensure that the organisation’s structure met the needs of both the clubs and the wider sporting community. Communication was a chapter in itself. Communication between the organisation’s management and sports club officials presented one of the greatest challenges. Every sports club has its own specific needs, priorities and expectations, and it was therefore important to ensure that no club felt overlooked or that its interests were being neglected. To achieve this, it was necessary to establish effective and open channels of communication. This involved not only formal meetings but also informal get-togethers where we could openly discuss problems, suggestions and visions for the future. It wasn’t always easy – differing opinions and perspectives led to heated discussions, but it was precisely through these exchanges that we often managed to find the best possible solutions. The whole process was extremely demanding, not only in terms of the time and energy it required, but also in terms of responsibility. Every decision had an impact on a great many people – on players, coaches, club members, but also on the wider public who follow and support sport in our city. Nevertheless, I felt that this work was meaningful and that, together, we had achieved something significant. Building an organisation that operates on solid and transparent foundations was not easy, but it was something that was essential for the future of sport in Cheb. When I look back on everything we have achieved, I feel proud to have been part of this process. Sport in Cheb has always meant a great deal to me – it is not just about results or performances, but about the people who put their energy, time and passion into it. And it is precisely those people – from officials and coaches to the athletes themselves – who deserve an organisation that will support their work and make their journey towards their goals easier. That is why I have put everything I could into this project. I believe I have given the organisation my all, and that our efforts will have a long-term positive impact and that the new director will build on this. Now, as I step down from the role of director, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, I feel relieved that, after years of hard work, I can focus more on other aspects of my life; on the other hand, however, I know that I will never leave sport in Cheb. I may no longer be at the helm of the organisation, but my support and cheering for local athletes remains. Sport has taught me that teamwork and mutual support are the keys to success, and I will continue to uphold these values even as a mere fan.

My decision to resign was neither sudden nor hasty. On the contrary, it was the result of careful consideration and responsible planning. After almost five years of intensive work establishing a new organisation, stabilising it and developing Cheb's sports facilities, I have come to the conclusion that it is time to pass on the leadership of the organisation to someone who will not only have new visions but also sufficient energy and expertise to realise them. The most important factor for my voluntary departure from the position of director is a new personal challenge in the family business that lies ahead of me.

Finally, I would like to thank everyone who has supported me on this journey. Without their efforts, support, and collaboration, none of what we have achieved would have been possible. My thanks go to the officials of the sports clubs who were willing to listen, discuss, and come up with ideas. It also goes to the athletes who, through their hard work and determination, show what sport means in our city. Thanks also go to the employees of the municipal office and the representatives of the city. Great thanks also go to the employees of the organisation. From cleaning staff, through mechanics, to the secretarial staff. And last but not least, I also thank everyone who contributes to creating a positive atmosphere at Cheb's sports grounds. I wish that everyone who is involved in Cheb's sports venues not only achieves great sporting results but also feels good there. Cheb's sport has enormous potential, and I believe its future is in good hands.

Kind regards,

Michal Ouřada, outgoing director