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On the last Monday of September, an important event for the development of education in the Karlovy Vary region took place on Jan Palach Embankment, right in the heart of Karlovy Vary. The Faculty of Education of the University of West Bohemia officially launched the new Bachelor's study program in Kinanthropology – Wellness Specialist.

“With this new study program, and with our existing activities in Cheb, we are making it clear that UWB is a university for both regions of West Bohemia – the Pilsen region and the Karlovy Vary region. This study program directly responds to the needs of the region and the demands of employers. I must mark my calendar, and I look forward to your graduation in three years," said Miroslav Lávička, Rector of the University of West Bohemia, addressing the new students.

The new study program was established thanks to the exceptional collaboration between the Faculty of Education, the city of Karlovy Vary, which provides the teaching facilities, and the Regional Authority, which covers the operational and teaching costs. "The program will allow students to complete a bachelor's degree in a region that is in great need of higher education development," said Pavel Mentlík, Dean of the Faculty of Education at UWB, adding: "I believe in the continued exemplary cooperation between the city, the region, and the faculty for future study programs. Specifically, next year we hope to open an Early Childhood Education program in Cheb."

The new students and faculty members were also welcomed at the newly renovated premises of the Faculty of Education’s branch by Petr Kulhánek, Governor of the Karlovy Vary region, and Andrea Pfeffer Ferklová, Mayor of Karlovy Vary. Both representatives expressed their support for the new program and its potential for regional development.

Following the welcoming ceremony, the students were given a tour of the newly renovated building and classrooms. The future wellness specialists had the opportunity to see firsthand the modern laboratories and exercise rooms that will support their studies. After the tour, the program coordinator, Věra Knappová, provided the students with important information regarding the organization of studies, class schedules, and other practical matters.

The new study program, managed by the Centre for Physical Education and Sport of the Faculty of Education at UWB, focuses on the comprehensive preparation of professionals in the field of wellness. Students will become familiar with basic biomedical disciplines such as anatomy and physiology and will gain in-depth knowledge in the sciences of human movement. Graduates will specialize in the preventive application of physical activities and healthy lifestyles. They will find employment in fields such as nutritional counseling and the planning of fitness or recovery programs. Their expertise will include designing fitness and recovery sports programs. They will be experts in fitness and wellness, capable of working in sports management or as instructors of physical activities. The study program was created specifically to meet the needs of the city and the region with its well-developed spa industry.