The Bohemian Gymnastic Association Sokol of the City of New York is a nonprofit organization rooted in the Sokol movement, which emphasizes physical fitness, moral development, and intellectual growth through gymnastics and cultural activities. It is registered under EIN 130508060.

History and Background

The Sokol movement was founded in Prague in 1862 by Miroslav Tyrš and Jindřich Fügner as a gymnastics organization promoting the ideal of "a strong mind in a sound body." The movement spread widely among Slavic communities in Europe and later internationally, including the United States, serving as a vehicle for physical training, cultural preservation, and nationalistic pride.

The Bohemian Gymnastic Association in New York, established by Czech and Slovak immigrants, is part of this broader Sokol tradition. Historical records show the Bohemian Gymnastic Association operating in New York City as early as 1900. The group was originally located at 420-4 East 71st Street in New York, serving as a hub for gymnastics and community activities among the Czech-American population. The association aligns with the goals of the original Sokol movement by promoting gymnastics, cultural education, and community cohesion among its members in New York City.

Mission and Activities

The organization continues the Sokol mission of physical fitness combined with cultural and moral development. It conducts gymnastics training, participates in mass exercise displays known as slets, and supports Czech cultural heritage through various events and educational programs.

Significance

As part of the international Sokol network, the Bohemian Gymnastic Association Sokol of the City of New York contributes to the preservation of Czech and Slovak culture in the United States, while fostering community engagement and youth development through gymnastics and cultural activities. The organization is an example of how the Sokol movement has been adapted and sustained by immigrant communities outside Europe.

Related Organizations

The Bohemian Gymnastic Association in New York is one of several Sokol groups established in the US, including Slovak Sokol societies and women's Sokol organizations, all dedicated to similar ideals of physical and moral education integrated with cultural heritage.

This summary is based on historical data regarding the Bohemian Gymnastic Association in New York and the broader context of the Sokol movement, which originated in Prague in the 19th century and expanded internationally through immigrant communities[1][2][3][5].