[Source: CFN.CZ]
In his letter to Petr Vachler, head organizer of the Czech Lion film awards and managing director of the Czech Film and Television Academy, Sazka CEO Aleš Hušák justified the move by having to redirect the company's efforts to selected sports and charitable projects.
A stable fixture of the Czech Lion Awards for the last seven years, the scriptwriting contest assessed 315 screenplays and boosted the development of numerous Czech features, including Roming, Night Owls [photo], Protector or Kawasaki's Rose.
In addition to film, the Sazka Awards were also handed out to remarkable achievements in theatre and dance. Three finalists in each category received financial support of 400K, 300K and 200K CZK.
Click here for an overview of the Sazka Award winners and nominees (2002-2008).
