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HISTORY
AND PHILOSOPHY
Sokol was
founded in Prague, Czechoslovakia in 1862 by Dr, Miroslav Tyrs.
He based his program on the democratic principles of the ancient
Greeks and their idea of developing " a sound mind in a sound
body".
Sokol came to
the United States in 1865 and has continued to bring these ideals to
people of all ages and abilities around the country for over 135
years.
Sokol USA was
founded in 1896 in New York City as a benefit society based on the
ideals of Tyrs. Sokol USA continues to operate under these
guidelines today offering a wide variety of life insurance benefits
for all members. Lodge 306 was formed as part of Sokol USA district
Ludevit Stur in
the 1940's and has operated in the Chicago area ever since. In
1962, we built and opened our current home at the Sokol Community
Center on Elston Ave.
The Lodge 306
philosophy is one that follows the ideals of Dr. Tyrs and Sokol USA;
that of Physical Fitness through gymnastics for all ages and ability
levels.
Each year,
Lodge 306 gymnasts perform in a lodge exhibition for parents and are
given an opportuinity to compete against other Sokols in the area
and from around the country at our "slet".
SOKOL FUN FACTS!!!
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"Sokol" is
the Czech and Slovak word for "Falcon"
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The falcon was chosen
as the symbol because of its strength and majestic appearance
and its ability to soar high.
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The word "slet"
means "a gathering of falcons". The first Sokol
slet was held in 1882 in Prague to celebrate the 20th
anniversary of the founding of the Sokol organization.
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Up to 30,000 people
have filled the field at Strahov Stadium to perform slet
calisthenics.
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The 1941 Sokol slet was
held at the old Sokolder Field in Chicago with about 25,000
spectators in attendance.
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The Sokol gretting is
"NaZdar!", which means "on to success".
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As a fraternal
organization Sokol members address each other as
"brother" and "sister" to show unity and a
sense of family.
ARE YOU CURIOUS ABOUT MORE
SOKOL HISTORY?? (CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING LINKS IN BLUE!!!)
HistoryofDistrictLudevitStur.pdf
HistoryoftheSokolslet.pdf
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