The Olomouc University BALOU Sports Centre, Czechia
Empowering Athletes, Advancing Knowledge, Shaping the Future.
The BALOU Sports Centre is a cutting-edge facility designed to serve a wide range of users, from the general public and students to elite athletes. Made possible through funding from the Czech government, Olomouc University, and the European Union, the centre’s primary mission is to support high-performance athletes and national teams across the Czechia. In addition to catering to professional athletes, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art technology to advance the research initiatives of Olomouc University and support educational programs.
“There is no other facility like this in Central Europe,” says Ilona Hapkova, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre. The primary aim of the facility is to provide world-class services for high-end athletes and national teams in Czechia. It is also equipped with cutting-edge technology to support the research activities of university companies and to serve educational purposes.
With 24,000 students across eight faculties, Olomouc University plans to incorporate the Centre into practical training sessions as part of their curriculum. “The Centre will be open to the public, and I hope we can educate people about the role and importance of exercise in preventing lifestyle diseases. This is the first centre in Czechia dedicated to preventive health, where we diagnose conditions and then recommend the appropriate physical activity,” explains Director Hapkova.
Before participating in any program, all individuals undergo a thorough screening process. Based on their assessment, a customized program is created that aligns with their level and capabilities. At the initial stage, the emphasis is on teaching proper exercise techniques rather than jumping straight into strength training. This approach ensures that participants enjoy their training, reduce the risk of injury, and develop the necessary skills for long-term success.
The Centre has chosen HUR Smart Touch Cloud-based equipment to meet the needs of all users. “HUR was the only company able to provide a comprehensive solution that caters not only to high-performance athletes but also to young people and individuals with specific needs, alongside the corresponding equipment and software. With this system, we can collaborate with other universities, and we have already planned an Erasmus project in partnership with universities from Germany, Finland, and Latvia. This collaboration will benefit research, as all participating universities can connect to the same shared database.”
In addition to its state-of-the-art equipment, the Centre boasts a 25-meter swimming pool, a unique downhill skiing treadmill, spacious testing halls, and a fully equipped testing laboratory. The facility has attracted considerable international attention, with several teams from outside Europe expressing interest in using the Centre for their training.
“This Centre is not only a hub for athletic excellence, but also a beacon for innovative research and education in the field of physical activity and health. We are excited about the future opportunities this facility will offer,” concludes Associate Professor Hapkova.
