On Friday, 13 June 2025, the 18th edition of the traditional Juniáles for university employees took place in the Botanical Garden of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice. The event, full of active relaxation, fun, and meetings of university employees in a friendly atmosphere, lasted until late afternoon.
Celebratory speech by prof. MUDr. Daniel Pella, PhD., Rector of UPJŠ, opened the event and described Juniáles as a welcome to the coming summer and wished all present great performances in sports disciplines and a successful day. prof. RNDr. Pavol Mártonfi, PhD., Director of the Botanical Garden of UPJŠ, informed the visitors about the rich history of the largest botanical garden in Slovakia, and RNDr. Jaroslava Oravcová, PhD., the Head of the Marketing and Media Communication Department, provided the attendees with more information about the event programme.
As part of the programme, the university employees took part in sports activities prepared for them by the Institute of Physical Education and Sport of UPJŠ. The competitions included non-traditional disciplines with original names such as “Fast and Furious”, “Chicken Fishing”, “Hulk’s Grip”, “36th Chamber of Shaolin”, “Botanical Duck Hunt”, “Lost in Space” and “Indian Biathlon”, which were not only about sporting feats, but also fun.
The most successful athletes were awarded medals after the competitions, presented by Vice-Rectors Dr. h. c. prof. Mgr. Slávka Tomaščíková, PhD. and JUDr. Ľudmila Elbert, PhD., university associate professor. Participants of the sports competitions could also enjoy attractive raffle prizes prepared exclusively for employees who participated in at least five of the seven sports disciplines. Five prizes in kind were awarded to the active sportsmen and women, followed by a raffle draw for all Juniáles participants. Interesting prizes were handed over to the winners by the Vice-Rectors.
The health and vitality of the participants of the event were tested not only by sports activities, but also by doctors from the University Hospital L. Pasteur Košice, who offered the employees of our University the opportunity to undergo various preventive examinations. For example, measuring of blood pressure, blood glucose level, body fat percentage, calculation of BMI or examination of birthmarks using a dermatoscope, detection of grip strength with a dynamometer or diagnosis of correct posture and feet with a plantoscope – a device for detecting flat feet. The results of the preventive examinations were often very useful, for example, the examination of birthmarks revealed up to 14 dysplastic changes, and even a suspicion of malignant melanoma with a recommendation for removal.
Participants could enjoy refreshments in the form of tasty goulash, prepared by the staff of Student Dormitories and Canteens of UPJŠ, and chilled beer and non-alcoholic beverages for all participants. The pleasant atmosphere was completed by music and spoken word by members of the Student Radio Košice – ŠtuRKo.
Thanks to all who participated in the organization of the event as well as to the staff who contributed to its smooth running and pleasant atmosphere. We are already looking forward to the next edition of this popular event associated with relaxation in the pleasant environment of the Botanical Garden of UPJŠ.
