I´m very glad I have the opportunity to welcome all the guests of the important event, the European Veterans Athletic Championships Non-Stadia. For the sixth time such an important event is taking place in our town, in the region of the Jestřebí Mountains.
In 1999 mayors of 12 municipalities made an agreement concerning mutual cooperation as regards important social and sport events. It is a great honour for our town and the whole region to welcome you and be your host for the whole weekend of competitions in the region of the Jestřebí Mountains.
I believe you will enjoy it and I wish you many sport and cultural experiences. We take this important sport event also as an opportunity to improve friendship among nations of Europe.
Ing. Jaroslav Hůlek
Mayor of Úpice
The town of Úpice – a center of the Jestřebí Mountains – is spread in the valley of the Úpa river near the Krkonoše Mountains. It was established in the valley bordered with woods and hills; it is guarded by Velbaba hill (481 meters /1578 ft) and Kvíčala hill (469 m /1538 ft). Radeč village which was individual in the past belongs to Úpice. Úpice originated as a guard settlement at the turning of the country trail to Silesia at a ford of the Úpa river. At the beginning of the 14th century Úpice was a part of Vizmburk manor belonging to the Lords of Dubé. These owners granted some municipal rights (i.e. right of execution, fair holding and beer brewing etc.) to Úpice. In 1604 the first school was built here. In 1625 was the town damaged by a big fire in which the church and all the houses in and near the square burnt down. Úpice was not spared of the war-times if the 30-years´ war and the war between Austria and Prussia. In the second half of the 19th century a quick industrial development of the town started (textile industry), it made Úpice to be one of the most industrial towns in north-east Bohemia. Nowadays Úpice has almost six thousand inhabitants. Amateur theatricals keep a long tradition in the town, as well as music orchestras and different sports. Well known is a local observatory which offers night and day sky and the Sun observing with the professional lecturing to the public.
There are three bicycle trails and other sport opportunities are offered at the sports center Sparta with its new skate park.
With more detailed history of the town visitors can get acquainted when following a special Historical trail.
Tourist information is available at the Tourist center.
