Slovenian Olympians Strengthen Their Connection to the Global Olympian Community

12 | 6 | 2026

Olympians from across Slovenia came together at a special gathering of the Slovenian NOA, held alongside a charity volleyball event supporting young athletes and para-athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The event provided an opportunity to celebrate Slovenia's Olympians and recognise their place within the global Olympian community through an OLY ceremony. By awarding OLY certificates and pins, the Slovenian NOA is helping Olympians maintain a lifelong connection to the Olympic Movement and a worldwide network of fellow Olympians.

Among those receiving OLY certificates were Olympic champions, medallists and Olympians representing a wide range of sports, including alpine skiing, athletics, swimming, judo, handball, canoeing, ski jumping, tennis, archery and volleyball.

Olympians were welcomed by Franjo Bobinac, President of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, and Iztok Cop OLY, President of the Slovenian NOA, who highlighted the importance of maintaining strong connections within the Olympic community and promoting the values of Olympism beyond competition.

The gathering also featured a conversation with Olympian and Slovenian volleyball player Dejan Vincic OLY, who reflected on his Olympic journey and the significance of representing his country at the Olympic Games.

The Olympians' gathering took place during a charity volleyball day led by Olympian and Slovenian national volleyball team captain Tine Urnaut OLY, ambassador of the 'Botrstvo v športu' programme ('Godparenthood in Sport'). Through ticket sales, donations and fundraising activities, the initiative has already raised more than €100,000 this year to support young athletes and para-athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds. The event also attracted widespread public attention, with the celebrity teams coached by the President of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, and well-known comedian Lado Bizovicar.

Set against the backdrop of a community-focused sporting event, the gathering showcased the power of Olympians coming together across generations and sporting disciplines. Through initiatives such as OLY ceremonies and regular Olympian gatherings, the Slovenian NOA helps ensure that Olympians remain connected, engaged and recognised as valued members of the global Olympian community long after their sporting careers have ended.