Opened sports games in Ljubljana

Today, the Square of the Republic of Ljubljana was opened by the opening of the Plasma Sports Game of Youth, which organizers define as the largest amateur sporting event for children and young people in Europe. The event, aimed at promoting integration, friendship and healthy values ​​among young people, has attracted many children, parents and representatives of sports, political and economic life.

The openings were attended and addressed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia Robert Golobthe mayor of Ljubljana Only LogarMinister of Economy Matjaz Han and UEFE President and Main Ambassador of Youth Sports Games Alexander Cheferin. The Minister of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Croatia were among those present Glavina and Serbian Temporary Minister of Education Đorđe Milicevic. The event was also honored by the numerous delegation of UEFA representatives and its children’s foundation. Representatives of most Slovenian sports federations, media, some embassies and mayors of municipalities who host competitions within the Youth Sports Games this year were also present.

In his address, Prime Minister Robert Golob emphasized the pride of Slovenes on his athletes and young participants to learn how to learn honesty, sincerity and collaboration through sports. Together with Deputy Mayor Sam Logar and Game President Zdravko Maric then symbolically lit the flame of the plasma of youth sports games.

The role of ambassadors

Ambassadors of young people, celebrities from the world of sports were also at the forefront. Alexander Cheferin, President of the Uefa and longtime Ambassador of Games, emphasized the importance of sport as a tool for education and integration. He said: “Through sports, young people can learn to understand that he can also lose himself in life, not only winning, just as he is lost in sports. Sport creates a team spirit, also gives a sense of belonging and is very important for health. « 

He was also joined on stage by former football players Aleksandar Kolarov, Nemanja Vidic and Celebrouswho told young people about their sports paths and encouraged them to persevere and team spirit. The Croatian football team also addressed the gathering through a video link Luka Modric.

After today’s opening, competitions in many sports disciplines, as well as educational workshops, will be held in the coming days in Slovenia. Photo: Voranc Vogel/Work

Zdravko Marić, president and main organizer of young people’s sports games, emphasized in his speech that the project has been successfully connecting young people from different backgrounds for 28 years. “Today is not only a competition, but a holiday of friendship, respect and inclusion. Children who go to the playgrounds today are ambassadors of the future, « Maric said. He thanked everyone in Slovenia for their support and enthusiastic reception of games. He also expressed his pride that 58,000 children have been involved in the project this year in Slovenia, and especially thanked the ambassadors for their role in spreading the visibility of the event.

Further course of games

After today’s opening, competitions in many sports disciplines, as well as educational workshops, will be held in the coming days in Slovenia. The best individuals and teams will then compete at the national conclusion, which will be on June 12 in Koper. This will be followed by the regional conclusion planned for the second half of August in Sarajevo.

Ceferin: Through sports, young people can learn to understand that they can also lose themselves in life, not only winning, just as it is lost in sports. Sport creates a team spirit, also gives a sense of belonging and is very important for health. Photo: Voranc Vogel/Work

Fifteen -year -old handball players were among the participants of the opening ceremony Pia Miklavec from Hrpelje-Kozina and an eleven-year-old table tennis player Klara Rahotin from Zalog in Ljubljana. Both expressed enthusiasm for cooperation. Pia Miklavec said: « I like the most that we can get to know many new friends and have fun in various sports. » Clara Rahotin also emphasized the importance of socializing, playing and entertaining, and the fact that collaboration and good atmosphere are in the forefront, not just winning. She also expressed her desire to participate in the final tournament in Sarajevo.

Ambassadors of young people, celebrities from the world of sports were also at the forefront. Photo: Voranc Vogel/Work