Robert Golob wants to preserve young people in Slovenia, Goran Dragic comes

In Slovenia, movement is increasingly established Plasma Sports Game of Youth (Shim), which only works with us for the second year. The biggest amateur sporting event for young people reaps great interest in Croatia, where it emerged in the 1990s, as in Serbia, BiH and in our country, where it came to life last year. Spiritus Movens games is Zdravko MarićPresident and founder of SIM, which we caught during the recent opening of the Slovenian part of the Games in Ljubljana. He spoke about the dimensions of this increasing regional movement that was created in Split and his vision for the future.

If young people were trying to frame the numbers in numbers, the following should be emphasized: in 29 years of sports competitions for young people between 6 and 18, more than 3 million children participated in the games. The noble event was expanded from Croatia to BiH in 2010, later to Serbia and last year to Slovenia. In 2024, 328,870 children competed in the games, perhaps the largest event of its kind in Europe.

Cheferin is the best man in the world

“I am pleased to grow our project, and I want to point out that it is not just about sports and competitions. Young people learn to coexist with peers from other countries, through many programs we teach them tolerance and ferple in sports and in life, and it is completely free of charge for them, « said Zdravko Marić, when asked what drives him forward in a project that officially called the Plasma of Sports Games of Youth.

Young games were premiered last year in Slovenia, the numbers are in fact enviable, and this year the organizers will exceed them. How does Marić comment on concrete achievements?

“This is an extraordinary result in the context of the number of children involved and competing. In the first year, 35,000 Slovenian children participated, this year we will increase this number, expected to 58,000 participating children, which is fantastic as the games bring a strong message with them. The kids welcomed us great, we couldn’t want more, we really did well, « Maric said of games in which young people compete in ten sports or disciplines – from football and 60 meters to a popular game between two fires and chess.

It is difficult to understand the ordinary mortal how quickly and successful the sports games of young people have established themselves in the fourth country, Marić does not bend in answering this question.

“I know I’m repeating, but first I have to point out Alexander Cheferinwho is the best man in the world. Without him, the games generally would not have become what they are, nor would they be to Slovenia, although last year we were at least partially unprepared to start with you. She could talk about him and his contribution for a long time. I can also thank the games that the games have finally arrived to Slovenia Zoran Jankovicwho has been urging me for many years to bring the movement to Ljubljana, which hosted the finals last year, This year, however, a formal openingand Slovenia, « Maric explained. “Other mayors of Slovenian municipalities are also extremely sympathetic to the event, from the mayor of Maribor Sasha Arsenovicthe mayor of Celje Matija KovačaKoper Aleš Brzan to others. They really welcomed us in all municipalities. « 

Youth sports games in Maribor. Photo: Youth Sports Games

The finals of this year’s Slovenian season will be in Koper, where 1800 children will compete with each other, who won municipal or regional competitions. These 58,000 participants come from 65 municipalities and 160 Slovenian schools. The organizers will get under the roof of 206 tournaments, 30 of them Zerowasta activities, nine football tournaments, 14 chess tournaments, four girls tournaments, 15 tournaments in tennis, 25 volleyball tournaments, 9 in handball, 41 table tennis and five in 3×3 basketball.

Marić particularly emphasized the positive approach of the Slovenian government, especially the Prime Minister and the Directorate Minister. “Thanks to the Prime Minister Robert Golobsince the Slovenian government has taken a step further this year and really showed that it wants to do everything for the long -term presence of young people in Slovenia. The pigeon is noticeably wanting that the games are also successful as in other countries and the government also helps us financially. Hat down too before the minister Matjaz Hanwhich is a guarantee that everything is going on in ‘terrain’ as it should. He has been with us for the second year, and last year he was also actively marking the play in the game between two fires at the Split game final. Han really understands what we have done together for these games and what their concept is, « Maric said, adding: » We were supported by companies. After successfully cooperating with Telemach and Kolektor last year, this year, on the basis of last year’s achievements, Slovenian Railways, Triglav and Petrol joined us, the latter want to participate in the entire region. « 

Also coming from Goran Dragic

For Maric, who also highlighted the affection of sports clubs, the most important is two: that all children can sign up for games and that their participation in the games is free of charge, he will insist.

Youth sports games in Celje. Photo: Youth Sports Games

The name of the new Ambassador of Games for this year is also known. Alexander Cheferin will be joined this year by former basketball ace Goran Dragicwhich will become the second ambassador of ŠIM from Slovenia. He will be officially announced as an ambassador at the finals of the Slovenian part of the games, this will be held on June 12 in Koper. The finals of this season will be 20th in Sarajevo August.