Telemach Sports Day in Karlovac Brings Together 1500 Children
45 sports and educational events to be held across all counties in Croatia
More than 1,500 children gathered at the Mladost Sports Hall for the large-scale sports and educational Telemach Sports Day. For 30 years, the mission of Europe’s largest amateur sports event, the Plazma Sports Games of Youth, has been to promote an active lifestyle, inclusion, tolerance, and social interaction among children and young people.
Support for young athletes was also shown by Tomislav Družak, Special Advisor at the Ministry of Tourism and Sport; Draženka Sila-Ljubenko, Head of the Administrative Department for Social Activities; Igor Duić, Director of Corporate Communications at Telemach Croatia; Vedran Hrgović, Marketing Director at Telemach Croatia; Melita Trgovčić, Head of the Administrative Department for Social Activities of Karlovac County; Branka Maradin Keča, Head of the Education Section of the Administrative Department for Social Activities of Karlovac County; and David Burburan, representing the Plazma Sports Games of Youth.
Addressing the audience, Tomislav Družak said:
“This beautiful sports story has been going on for 30 years, and I am extremely pleased that we, as the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, recognized its value long ago and continue to provide the strongest possible support. This is a story that rises above all values. Watching and listening to children’s laughter, while at the same time developing their competitive spirit – the desire to strive and to win – is truly wonderful. I congratulate the organizers, as well as Zdravko Marić, on the excellent idea that has inspired this part of Europe.”
“It is a great honor and pleasure to see such a large turnout at an event we will all remember. I am glad that the organizers recognized Karlovac as the city where this year’s Sports Day begins. I am confident you will enjoy the program and present Karlovac in a truly sporting and friendly spirit,” said Draženka Sila-Ljubenko, on behalf of the partner city of Karlovac.
At a time when screens are becoming more common than playgrounds, the goal of the Sports Games of Youth is to reconnect children with physical activity as something natural, fun, and shared. That is why Telemach Sports Day places a strong emphasis on play, inclusion, and equality, reminding us that sport is not only about results, but also an opportunity to build friendships and strengthen team spirit.
During this season, through 45 sports and educational events across Croatia, children and young people will have the opportunity to demonstrate that amateur sport carries invaluable value, encourages healthy habits, builds self-confidence, and positively impacts physical and mental health—values that the Plazma Sports Games of Youth have been promoting for 30 years.
Igor Duić, Director of Corporate Communications at Telemach Croatia, stated:
“Sport has the power to shape character and connect people. That is why we believe that investing in an active and high-quality childhood helps build a healthier and happier future. Through our long-term partnership with the Sports Games of Youth and the Telemach Sports Day project, we enable children across Croatia to take part in sports and educational activities. For Telemach, this is not just an investment in sport, but a commitment to the community and younger generations as we work together to build a better future.”
The ceremonial program of Telemach Sports Day began with the lighting of the torch, carried by young athletes led by Zlatko Raužan, bronze medalist at the European Handball Championship, and Nikola Gudasić, bronze medalist at the European Futsal Championship.
“I participated in the Sports Games of Youth about ten years ago in Medulin, and I am happy to still be part of this sports day today. I believe that participation in the Sports Games of Youth encourages children to continue playing sports,” said Gudasić.
Raužan also shared his experiences, having competed in football, volleyball, and handball: “I have only positive memories from the Sports Games of Youth and would recommend all children to get involved in sports, as it helps them make new friends and develop values that guide them toward better life decisions,” Raužan emphasized.
Competitions in dodgeball and athletics have been part of Telemach Sports Day for the sixth consecutive year. Dodgeball stood out as a particularly popular discipline, promoting social interaction and inclusion through mixed teams of boys and girls. In Karlovac, as many as 50 teams took part.
The most successful dodgeball teams were Dragojline Zvjezdice in the 2015 and younger category, and Sportići OŠ Grabik in the 2017 and younger category. The fastest runners in the 2015 and younger category were Noa Erak and Doris Lipošćak, while in the 2017 and younger category Petar Mlinarić and Sara Slunjski qualified for the National Finals.
A ceremonial race was also held, featuring children from the Karlovac Center for Education and Care of Children and Youth, who proudly won gold medals. All participants enjoyed the EON Corner, taking home photos as lasting memories of the event.
“It is a great pleasure to see so many children once again recognizing Telemach Sports Day as a place for play, socializing, and sports competition. This season, we expect more than 140,000 participants in the Games, and we look forward to continuing the journey with the most successful ones at the National Finals in Rijeka,” said David Burburan.
The Plazma Sports Games of Youth offer children free participation in 10 sports disciplines: the Coca-Cola Cup, Tommy Five-a-Side Football Tournament, handball, 3×3 Sprite Cup, volleyball, beach volleyball, Wiener Chess Tournament, Kinder Joy Table Tennis Tournament, tennis, dodgeball, and athletics.
