Ljubljana hosts the opening of the first season of the Plazma Youth Sports Games in Slovenia

On May 6, 2024, the first season of the Plazma Youth Games, the largest amateur sports event in Europe, was officially opened in Ljubljana.

The opening attracted the attention of sports and political dignitaries and gathered numerous eminent guests from the world of sports and politics, among them the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob, the Ombudsman Peter Svetina, the Minister of Economy, Sports and Tourism Matjaž Han, and the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia Davor Božinović and Minister of Maritime Affairs, Transport and Infrastructure Oleg Butković.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, numerous ambassadors, and passionate fans of the Games, including renowned figures such as Zlatko Dalić, Šime Vrsaljko, Goran Ivanišević, Rade Nesterović, Boštjan Cesar, and Zlatko Zahović.

The event began with a competition in dodgeball and athletics by children from twelve elementary schools in Ljubljana. Around 3,000 children participated in the first official Telemach Sports Day. Tadej Bricelj led the opening ceremony of the Games.

The ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Ljubljana, Zoran Janković, the Director of the Slovenian Youth Sports Games, Boris Mikuž, the President of Plazma Youth Games, Zdravko Marić, the Ombudsman, Peter Svetina, and Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia, Robert Golob.

“I remember that 27-28 years ago, we were at the first such event in Split. Then, there were only two sports disciplines. Look at what was born and developed during that time. Kudos to everyone who makes sure that our children play sports. It’s nice that Europe is also connected in this way”, said Mayor Janković at the opening ceremony.

The event, colored by a diverse sports and entertainment program, was especially marked by numerous performances, among which the performance of Boštjan Nipić – Nipket, the jazz dance performance of Nola Pučko and Marko Šeršuh, and the musical performance of Jon Vitežič stood out. The lighting of the flame was entrusted to Olympian Anita Horvat.

“We are immensely proud that our sports games are expanding to Slovenia and gaining significant importance. Our vision is to foster inclusivity, tolerance, friendship, solidarity, social inclusion, and fair play and to educate young participants about the myriad benefits of sustainable development,” added Marić, igniting a beacon of hope for a brighter future.

Plazma Youth Sports Games is the largest amateur sports event in Europe. Already in the first season, we enable elementary and high school students to participate in sports activities free of charge from January to September in ten sports disciplines, organized according to professional standards, in cooperation with various local communities, sports clubs, and national associations.

The central purpose of Plazma Youth Sports Games is competition and, above all, socializing, having fun, and creating new friendships. Results are of secondary importance. The goal is for young people to spend the day actively, connect, and develop positive values ​​through sports.

“The event has been held in our neighborhood for 27 years, and this year, Slovenia is also a full member of this event. I believe that our children will gain a lot, not only because they can strengthen their body and mind further, but at this level, we can forge the strongest friendships.” Golob also addressed the young people and emphasized that healthy nutrition and sports are essential. “Healthy food and sports go very well together.” He also stressed the importance of honesty and fair play and opened the competition.

Children can compete in dodgeball and athletics as part of the opening ceremony and accompanying sports activities of the Telemach Sports Day. The best will win a performance at the state final and later at the international final, which will be held in Split in August.

In the meantime, Coca-Cola Cup competitions are held in football, volleyball, chess, handball, and table tennis, and in May in other sports, such as basketball, beach volleyball, and athletics, and the Kolektor Cup in tennis.

The program continued with an evening concert by Nina Pušlar and Željko Samardžić.