A lively summer of Beach Volleyball festivals across Slovenia

This summer, as part of the CEV School Project ‘Play Volleyball - Grow with it’, a record-breaking five beach volleyball festivals were organised in Slovenia, thereby attracting children of all ages from across the country. 

Aspiring players and beginners who are just getting to know Volleyball and / or Beach Volleyball gathered for the first time on June 9 in Ločica ob Savinji. Tournaments were held in the U12 and U14 categories, with an impressive 78 children participating. They enjoyed the pleasant atmosphere and the competitive spirit, which was the central theme of the event excellently organised by OK Celje – ŠD Savinja 2000.

On Sunday, June 16, the Dragon Tournament took place on the courts of ŠD Šentvid in Ljubljana, organised by ŽOK Šentvid. The event attracted nearly 100 children under the age of 14 from all over Slovenia. The young players formed 28 teams and showcased their skills, enthusiasm, and team spirit, proving that the future of Slovenian Volleyball is bright.

Just a day later, another beach volleyball festival took place in Novo Mesto, where 80 children aged 6 to 14 from the Dolenjska region, as well as from Ljubljana and Škofja Loka, came together. The event featured adapted games and tournaments on four courts, with the primary goals of promoting Beach Volleyball and ensuring the participants had as much fun as possible. Parents also got involved, organising dinner and a picnic, thus further enriching the experience.

The beach volleyball caravan then moved to Žužemberk, where on June 22 youngsters from all over Slovenia once again gathered. The dedicated organisers offered the opportunity for children under 10 years of age to experience Beach Volleyball for the first time, while slightly older players competed in U12 and U14 tournaments. Everyone enjoyed the skilful plays and spent a wonderful day by the Krka River.

The final event of the summer festival series took place on July 27 at the Centre for Modern Volleyball in Višnja Gora. This attracted numerous children who tested their skills in various volleyball challenges and competed for prizes. Body painting, which delighted the youngest participants, and the mini tournaments in the U12 and U14 categories, where children demonstrated their athletic abilities, were among the highlights. The festival’s special guest was Tajda Lovšin, one of Slovenia’s top beach volleyball players and a national team member. The entire event was marked by fun, sports, and unforgettable moments that the children will be cherishing for a long time.