Bratislava Mayor Awards Eight Figures, Including Miklosko and Ambassador Kastran

Bratislava, 24 April (TASR) - Bratislava mayor Matus Vallo presented the Mayor of Bratislava Award 2026 to eight people at the P.O. Hviezdoslav Theatre on Thursday (23 April) evening. "The presentation of the Mayor's Award is a rare opportunity to experience a sense of unconditional goodwill and gratitude - something that should be a natural part of our everyday lives, but we encounter this less and less. Recognising exceptional individuals who contribute to the strength of communities moves us all towards a better, more tolerant, healthier and more cultured society," stated Vallo. MP Frantisek Miklosko received the award for his long-term fight for religious and civil liberties and for his significant contribution to safeguarding democracy in Slovakia. Peter Lipa and Pavel Danek were awarded for more than 50 successful years of organising the Bratislava Jazz Days festival, which has shaped the Bratislava music scene. Viliam Dobias was awarded for his long-term work in emergency medical services and promoting the importance of first aid. Skier Veronika Zuzulova received the award for representing Slovakia at four Winter Olympics and World Cups and for her dedication to sport. Blanka Lehotska was awarded for protecting the environment and building a relationship with nature through a community event that has been protecting frogs during their spring migration at Zelezna Studienka for 40 years. Lubos Soska (chief of the Pink Whale music club) was awarded for building an independent cultural space and supporting a community of young people. Ukrainian Ambassador to Slovakia Myroslav Kastran received the award for building friendly, constructive and partnership relations between Ukraine and Slovakia and for his dedicated service to his homeland. The Mayor of Bratislava Award is one of the most prestigious municipal honours, with a long-standing tradition. Its laureates are selected by the Bratislava mayor along with an advisory board. Individual nominations take into account the exceptional contributions of individuals or teams that shape the capital and deserve recognition, especially for their cultural or social contribution to the city's development. ko/df