This year on Giving Tuesday, you have the opportunity to do a good deed while also catching your starting number for the 2026 Yellow Ribbon Run at a discounted Early Bird prize.

We start registration to the 11th year of running. Be the first to do it. In 2026, we will give a chance to children and young people who have made a mistake.

If you want to support us other than by registering, please donate any amount via Platforms Darujme.cz. Each contribution helps us devote more and more awareness, support our community activities and prepare the next year of running.

Become our partner

Giving Tuesday is also an opportunity for companies that want to support the Yellow Ribbon as partners. The partnership brings not only the support of a good cause, but also significant benefits throughout the year.

What financial partners get:

• Participation and logo at the press conference at Hilton Prague (May 2026)
• Visibility in press releases and media
• Logo on the Yellow Ribbon website and on social networks
• Logo on the stage during the race
• Placing the logo on the barriers along the route
• Logo on start numbers and diplomas
• Possibility of presentation booth on race day

Sign up to run or join our partners and help us give people with criminal backgrounds a second chance.

The yellow ribbon is picking up pace. As the number of activities and projects grew, we expanded the leadership and the team to make our work even more effective and education in the area of criminal policy to have a greater impact.

‍

Gabriela Slováková — President of the Association

Gabriela Slováková, Director of the Probation and Mediation Service, becomes president of the association. He will continue to focus mainly on caring for partners, developing cooperation and fundraising — that is, areas that keep the project on its feet and move it forward.

‍

Veronika Friebová — Association Director

The position of director is Veronika Friebová. He will continue primarily in PR, marketing and community building around the topic. We want the topic of employing people with criminal backgrounds to be seen even more and society better understood why it is so important. It will build on the Yellow Ribbon communication so far and take it one step further.

‍

Strengthening the expert team

A content specialist has been working with us for more than a year Veronika Halakova. It makes sure that our texts are clear and understandable to the public and experts alike.

We are now joined by two additional reinforcements:

• Sarka Flodrova will take care of the project agenda and event management.
• Renata Ohnoutkova, a social networking specialist, will lead the Yellow Ribbon's online communications.

‍

Stronger Volunteer Base

We are also very pleased to see the expansion of the volunteer team:

• Veronika Pleskova, an experienced attorney, will look after partners at events.
• Rene Hamrla, a longtime fan and runner of the Yellow Ribbon Run, will assume leadership of the implementation team of volunteers at the running events.

‍

‍

My name is René Hamrla and I am 50 years old. I grew up in a full and contented functioning family. In my 20s, I went into business and after a very short time began to taste the first hints of “success”. I managed almost everything, and I stopped respecting the legal norms and lived in the belief that nothing could happen to me after all.

After ten years, I was convicted of attempting to cut taxes for 4 years. After 2 years, I was released and entered life with the resolution that this would not happen again. Another 10 years passed and I found the courage to go into business again. I built a business with dozens of employees and a corresponding, not small, turnover. There were accompanying problems, and I resorted to the simplest of all possible solutions in good faith. I didn't consider the consequences of my decisions and I was recapturing.

After almost 15 years since my release, I was sentenced again, this time to 6 years.

It was a huge mistake for which not only I paid, but also my whole family, my children. Unfortunately, it was only after spending several months in prison that I slowly began to realize what success really is and the values that go towards it. My life has turned inside out. And today I'm actually happy for that.

I started running in the execution of the sentence first to stay physically ready for the next life, but also because it was actually an escape to myself. I could reflect on my mistakes, come to terms with them and start looking slowly on, at the life that would come after release. At the time, I perceived the dismissal itself as a very difficult and complex step.

This is the case today, more than a year later. It was a mixture of difficult and crucial decisions that each of us, the released prisoners, must make. Despite the disfavor of social habits and prejudices that we encounter on a daily basis. And not only in their job search, but also in their families, whom we have let down so much. In all of this, I try to stay grounded in my beliefs and values, which I think are finally the right ones. It's the trickier path, but I believe it's the right one to permanently integrate into a stable family and society.

With my openness to the past, I try to make people judge us not by the superficial information that comes to them and criminal records, but by how we approach life and the fulfillment of our personal and social responsibilities.

‍

Společně s platformou Děti jsou taky lidi a Zdeňkou Šíp Staňkovou jsme spustili nový podcast Vězni jsou taky lidi. Přinášíme v něm rozhovory s odborníky i lidmi s osobní zkušeností, kteří otevírají témata, o nichž se u nás příliš nemluví. Dotýkáme se toho, jak zásadně nás formuje dětství a prostředí, ve kterém vyrůstáme. Věříme, že pochopení těchto souvislostí je klíčem k prevenci kriminality. Zároveň ale pomáhá i odsouzeným najít způsoby, jak po propuštění žít bez návratu k trestné činnosti

Důležitým tématem jsou také děti vězňů – v Česku jich žije až 40 tisíc. O jejich situaci se mluví málo, a přitom i ony jsou často skrytými oběťmi.

‍

1. díl – Gabriela Slováková, ředitelka Probační a mediační služby

Gabriela Slováková působí ve vězeňství od roku 2003. Vedla ženskou i mužskou věznici, dnes stojí v čele Probační a mediační služby a je iniciátorkou Yellow Ribbon Run v ČR. Povídáme si s ní nejen o dětství odsouzených, ale i o jejich dětech, o mediaci, o roli Probační a mediační služby, i o tom, proč je důležité dávat druhé šance.

‍„Někdo, kdo vyrůstá v nevyhovujícím prostředí, ke špatnému chování rodičů získá celoživotní odpor, a někdo naopak zapadne do toho vzorce.“

První díl podcastu si poslechněte tady: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TT5MYPpj4c&list=PLF3z0mHEWiIVQzirIZikkwS32nJlzNXnA&index=3

‍

2. díl – Josef Hrubý, vězeňský terapeut

Vězeňský terapeut Josef Hrubý už řadu let pracuje s odsouzenými ve Vinařicích. Vede skupinové terapie, kde se lidé učí porozumět emocím, zvládat agresi a hledat příčiny svého chování. V rozhovoru vysvětluje, proč je terapie ve vězení důležitá a jak může pomoct k životu bez návratu k trestné činnosti.

„Recidivu máme okolo 70 %, ale v tom našem terapeutickém programu díky tomu, že se jim intenzivně věnujeme, je jen kolem 30 %. U té práce mě drží to, že my jsme s těmi kluky v kontaktu i venku a vidíme, že žijou dobře, mají rodinu, práci, splatili si dluhy...tohle nám dává energii.“

‍

Druhý díl podcastu najdete tady: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAs_cgV8NN4&list=PLF3z0mHEWiIVQzirIZikkwS32nJlzNXnA&index=2

‍

3. díl – Sláva, odsouzený z Věznice Vinařice

‍

Sláva si odpykává 17 let za vraždu. Otevřeně mluví o tom, proč se to stalo, co ho k činu vedlo a jak ho vězení proměnilo. Jeho osobní zpověď ukazuje, že i za mřížemi lidé hledají cestu k pochopení sebe sama a k nové budoucnosti. Je součástí terapeutické skupiny, kterou vede Josef Hrubý, s nímž jsme si povídali ve druhém díle.

„Osm let jsem tady ve skupinové terapii. Za tu dobu jsem zjistil, že jsem schopnej přijmout zodpovědnost za svoje činy, přijmout vinu, to, že chybuju a jsem člověk, že jsem schopnej se se svýma chybama vyrovnat...“

‍

Třetí díl si můžete pustit tady: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_0JOOpyLVj0&list=PLF3z0mHEWiIVQzirIZikkwS32nJlzNXnA&index=1

‍

Pokud vás série zaujala, budeme rádi za sdílení na sítích. A nezapomeňte nás sledovat, ať vám neunikne další díl.

‍

Zdeňka Šíp Staňková is creating a new series of podcasts “Prisoners are also people” in cooperation with the Yellow Ribbon project. The aim is to show the impact that imprisonment has not only on the convicts themselves, but also on their children and entire families.

Presenter Zdeněka Šíp Staňková will conduct open interviews with both experts and people who have personal experience of serving sentences or returning to freedom.

The first part will introduce Gabriela Slováková, Yellow Ribbon Run and the work of the Probation and Mediation Service.

The series wants to break down prejudices, open uncomfortable topics and look for ways in which society can help families affected by prison.

Follow us on the internet so you don't miss any part.

‍

Well-known rapper, singer and lyricist Lipo, who is an ambassador for the Yellow Ribbon Run initiative, is preparing a music video for the song Sara, which tells the story of finding a second chance and a way out of a difficult life situation. On the song he collaborated with Kuba Ryba, frontman of the band Rybička 48. The project is created in collaboration with Yellow Ribbon, which has been helping people start again after serving a sentence for ten years.

“The song Sara tells the story of a man who is looking for a way back into life, learning to take responsibility for his mistakes and trying to give a second chance to himself and the people around him,” says Lipo.

“Together with Cuba Ryba, we wanted to give this song even more power, not only musically, but also humanly, and thus send a message to society. “

‍

Helping children who did not choose fate

In the Czech Republic, according to non-profit organizations, there are up to 40,000 children whose parents are in prison. These children often face stigma, loneliness, and psychological or economic problems.

“We don't talk much about the children of incarcerated parents. At the same time, they are the most vulnerable,” says Veronika Friebová, PR and community care manager at Yellow Ribbon.

“It's important that these themes reach the public domain through music that has the power to reach a broad audience across generations. “

‍

Music for Change

The clip will be filmed, among other things, in the premises of Jiřice Prison and will involve people who have their own experience of returning to life after serving a sentence. The themes of parenting and the parent-child relationship will be part of the story.

“Music is a powerful tool, it can open up complex social topics in a way that is accessible, emotional and understandable,” says Gabriela Slováková, initiator of the Yellow Ribbon Run in the Czech Republic and director of the Probation and Mediation Service.

“By collaborating with artists like Lipo and Kuba Ryba, we are taking criminal policy awareness to a whole new level. “

‍

The largest campaign about second chances in the Czech Republic

The song and story in the clip Sáro follows the ten-year anniversary of Yellow Ribbon Run, the largest awareness event in the Czech Republic aimed at integrating people with criminal pasts. Its aim is not only to break down prejudice, but also to contribute to a safer society. The premiere will take place in autumn 2025.

‍

Acknowledgements

We thank the Prison Service of the Czech Republic and the management of Jiřice Prison for their willingness and support not only in the implementation of filming, but also in our other projects.

‍

I was irresponsible and selfish because I didn't think about when I went to prison, what about the kids... that it would hurt them and the family. “

‍

“These people come out of jail with nothing. Unless they have someone who gives them a helping hand, who pulls them up, who sees them as a person and not as a prisoner, it's awfully hard for them to start over. “

‍

“The fact that there are a lot of perpetrators of crime means that there are a lot of victims. If we want fewer victims, we have to work with the perpetrator. We have to teach him other patterns of behavior, we have to give him a chance to see a better tomorrow and we cannot think that it ends with him walking out of prison when he has nowhere to go... “

‍

“A third of the people are the ones who don't go back to that prison again because they're there episodic - they have a good family, a job. They have failed, but they know the advice and someone will take care of them. Then there is a third that goes back there, it has become such a lifestyle for them, but not because they yearn to live in prison, but because you have nowhere to go outside and no one wants you. That third includes extremely dangerous people who need to be locked up. And then there's a third, and those are the ones we need to work with so they don't come back. “

‍

What is the path from prison to freedom and into ordinary life? What is it like when you get a second chance and can start again and better after leaving prison? What are the current challenges of Czech prisons? Lumír, a dad of three and a man who spent several years in prison, shares his experience in the podcast Don't Be Away. The second guest is Gabriela Slováková, founder of Yellow Ribbon Run and director of the Probation and Mediation Service. Podcast completo Listen on Youtube.

Ve spolupráci s VOLONTÉ CZECH jsme v květnu uspořádali virtuální běh a dětský den za mřížemi věznice Jiřice. Poprvé tak mohli běžci běžet společně se svými blízkými přímo ve věznici a zažít tak podporu svých rodin. Program zpestřila rodina jednoho z běžců a setkání se zúčastnili i zástupci komunity. Akci podpořili naši ambasadoři Barbora Černošková a Lipo.

Podívejte se, jaká tam byla atmosféra. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbCapmCjfuc

We really got involved with the medals this year, from making them to handing them out. To those who were not reached, we apologise wholeheartedly. But we have good news, you won't lose them.

Na Okamih websitewho produces them for us, you can order them. When ordering enter the code YellowRibbon2025, thanks to it you will have both a medal and free shipping. Please enter the email under which you registered. Medals will come by Mail Order.

Thank you for your support.

We want the Yellow Ribbon Run to be better every year.

And right now you have a great opportunity to help us prepare.
Take a few minutes and fill out our short questionnaire. Any feedback is valuable to us.

Thank you so much for your time.

‍

We greatly appreciate the support of our partners, without whom the 10th annual Yellow Ribbon Run could not have taken place. Thanks for being with us and helping us spread the idea of second chances.

Jubilee 10th edition of the cross-country race Yellow Ribbon Run, which breaks down prejudices against people with criminal record and promotes their return to society, took place on June 10, 2025, with the utmost interest of the public. Overall into action Nearly 1200 participants registered. In the main part of the race, he ran nearly 650 runners, 70 active fans has been involved in VOL Fanwalk in cooperation with VOLONTÉ CZECH and Approximately 70 children raced within Connecting Hearts Children Race with support The Connecting Hearts Foundation.

The race has traditionally attracted well-known figures in public life. Runners and fans supported the actor Petr Čřetnicek, rappers Lipo, presenter and patron of the children's run Barbora Cernoškova and sports presenter Miroslav Lencwho accompanied the program as a presenting duo. Long term support for the event presenter Lucie Křížková and her husband, yachtsman David Křížek.

Professional production of the plant was provided by the team Michal Štys. He was involved in coordination Zoran Bartek, Marketing Director Czech Olympic Committee. Volunteers from the non-profit, public and private sectors have also played a significant role, especially from organizations VOLONTÉ CZECH, Companies of A-GIGA chi Recovery rooms Prison services Přední Labská and the Prison Service of the Czech Republic.

The event was also attended by prominent foreign justice representatives - Yellow Ribbon Singapore, CEP Probation and Europris.

A run that connects even behind bars

An irreplaceable part of the Yellow Ribbon Run are themselves sentencingwho participate in the race as both runners and organizers. This year, within Virtual runs in prisons engaged More than 400 convicted.

The opening of this year took place in Příbram Prison, which was already running almost all prison facilities during the Covid era. This year, 30 out of 35 prisons in the Czech Republic participated in the Yellow Ribbon Run. Three prisons — Jiřice, Karviná and Heřmanice — in addition, they prepared special running events that allowed meetings of convicts with their children and families. These powerful moments were created in collaboration with Probation and Mediation Service and show that sport can be a route to restoring both trust and relationships.

“The Yellow Ribbon Run is not just a sporting event. It's a voice for change -- a voice that says a second chance is possible. This year's edition showed how strong the community behind this project is. Thank you to everyone who runs with us -- the public, partners, volunteers and convicts alike,” he says Gabriela Slovakova, director of Yellow Ribbon Run, an important figure in Czech justice and initiator of the project in the Czech Republic, which celebrated her birthday as part of this jubilee year.

Patronage for the tenth edition of the Yellow Ribbon Run was granted by the Office of the President of the Czech Republic, the Ministry of Justice and the Municipal District of Prague 6.

For the fourth time, philanthropist Jitka Chizzola supported the children of convicted parents with a sum of CZK 100,000.

‍