Slovenian Volleyball marks Europe Day

This year’s Europe Day was part of the pan-European initiative ‘Sports celebrates Europe Day’ focusing specifically on sports and an active lifestyle. The Volleyball Federation of Slovenia (OZS) joined the campaign through various national team and club activities organised this past Saturday, May 9. 

Europe Day marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration signed in 1950, which coincided with the beginning of a new era of cooperation in Europe. While the day is celebrated across the EU every year, 2026 is dedicated to sports, thus highlighting the shared values between athletic competition and the European Union, such as the power of sport to bring people together.

May is traditionally one of the most intense months for Slovenian Volleyball, as all efforts are focused on national teams preparations and the final stages of the national youth championships. Therefore, Europe Day activities took place during a very busy period. The men’s national team marked the occasion in Ljubljana while preparing for the Volleyball Nations League, while the women’s national team highlighted the anniversary in Kranjska Gora during their training sessions for the upcoming CEV Volleyball European League. The women’s sitting volleyball national team also joined the project as they prepare for their upcoming Golden Nations League appearance.

In addition to the senior teams, the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia expanded the celebration to younger club selections. Working with the organisers of the girls’ U18 semi-final tournament in Grosuplje and the boys' U18 5th place tournament in Ljubljana, players aged 16 and 17 were involved in the initiative as well. These young athletes embodied the values of active cooperation and connection that are fundamental to the common European space. 

By involving everyone from elite players to youth categories, Federation and clubs once again have shown that Slovenian Volleyball remains active at all levels.