Promoting a Sound Mind in a Sound Body for All!

In 1888 the men's unit of Sokol South Omaha was established, consisting of 23 members. In a matter of two years, the unit began holding public exhibitions and competing in tournaments with other Sokol area gyms.

Plans were quickly drawn to build a Bohemian National Hall at 21st and U in South Omaha. In 1936, 27 acres of land were purchased just south of Omaha and the Sokol Park Corporation was formed - Retired cars were used as sleeping quarters for Sokol Czech school children.

In 1938 Sokol South Omaha celebrated its 50th Anniversary, the same year as the international All Sokol Slet Tournament in Prague, Czecholoslovakia, which is said to have been one of the greatest Slets ever held. The anniversary activities were held in South Omaha Sokol Park.

During World War II, many of our gymnasts enlisted, thus gym activities slowed down. Therefore, in 1953 Vojmir Benak formed the Junior Gym Club, which allowed junior gymnasts (13 to 18 years of age) to take an active role in planning social, gym, and fundraising activities. Since then, our gymnasts have traveled all the way from Los Angeles to New York, from Fort Worth to Montreal at zero cost to the Men's or Women's unit.

However, in 1975 disaster struck and our Sokol Hall was lost in a fire! A Task Force Committee was formed under the direction of Brother Jim Strnad for the purpose of rebuilding. On August, 14, 1977, the Grand Opening Ceremonies were held in honor of our "New Sokol Hall." Many amazing activities took place in that very building over the years - from social events to ASO Instructors Schools.

A Czech and Sokol Museum has since been established, which contains many great Czech and Sokol artifacts. Brother Ed Pavoucek and Sister Pavoucek's untiring efforts led to its international acclaim. As well, Sister Doris Ettlin's hard efforts have led to a library containing thousands of books and periodicals in the Czech language available to the public. Many college students in the area have found our library a tremendous source of cultural information.

In 1989, the Western District sponsored the American Sokol National Slet of which Sokol South Omaha played a great part. Sokols from all US regions came to participate in competitions and exhibitions held at Sokol South Omaha. We were honored and delighted to have Kathy Johnson (1984 Olympian) as a keynote speaker.

Sokol South Omaha also had the opportunity to host many National ASO Schools in the 80's and 90's. A leader in this endeavor, hundreds of Sokol students from all over the United States and Canada came to our Sokol hall each summer for two weeks of intense training in the Tyrs System of Gymnastics and Physical Education.

We are very proud of our roots and the many people and events that have made Sokol South Omaha what it is today. Now, with a new state-of-the-art facility and additional gymnastic programs, we can't wait for you to take part in helping us write our next chapter in history!