Tine Urnaut new ambassador of “Botrstvo v športu”
News
Yesterday, a grand gala event of the “Botrstvo v športu” project took place at the Grand Hotel Union in Ljubljana. The event is organised by the National Olympic Committee of Slovenia in cooperation with the Anita Ogulin Charity Association and the Slovenian Friends of Youth Association. Once again, the event brought together sport, solidarity, and social responsibility and introduced the new ambassador of the project for the year ahead.
“Botrstvo v športu” is a unique Slovenian humanitarian project aimed at supporting young, talented athletes and para-athletes from socially disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme provides financial assistance in the form of scholarships or a special fund for young athletes aged 14 to 23, and exceptionally for even younger ones as well.
Since 2020 the project has already helped more than 500 young athletes, who have been able to pursue their sporting dreams more easily thanks to the raised funds. Over time, “Botrstvo v športu” has developed into Slovenia’s most recognised sports-humanitarian initiative, bringing together numerous foundations, sports organisations, and individuals connected through sport and charity, with a transparent, modern, and strategic approach.
In previous years, many prominent athletes and sports figures have served as project ambassadors. The first was the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, followed by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. They were succeeded by Alpine skier Tina Maze, who raised an impressive 135,000 €, and road cyclist Primož Roglič, whose act of generosity surpassed the symbolic milestone with 200,180 €. In 2024, the mission was carried on by the captain of the golden Slovenian basketball team, Goran Dragić, who together with his partners managed to raise an incredible 885,983 € for young, promising athletes from underprivileged backgrounds.
The year 2025 was marked by the exceptional sport climber Janja Garnbret, the first Olympic champion in sport climbing and a two-time Olympic gold medallist (Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024). Garnbret has dominated the World Cup in both bouldering and lead climbing for years and is considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. At yesterday’s event, she passed on her role as ambassador to Tine Urnaut, the long-time captain of the Slovenian national Volleyball team and an inspiring role model for young athletes.
Upon receiving the honorary title, Urnaut said:
“This is a great responsibility. It’s almost impossible to find more successful athletes who promote Slovenia better around the world - and above all, such good-hearted people willing to help those without the means to realise their dreams. I wish to follow in the footsteps of the ambassadors before me, who have set certain standards. I take this title as an honour and hope to continue the great work of my predecessors.”
In 2026 “Botrstvo v športu” will continue its noble mission – this time with a Volleyball spirit. With Tine Urnaut as its ambassador, it will connect people through sport, support young talents, and spread the message that solidarity and teamwork represent the most beautiful victory for society. His involvement is a great honour for the project and an important opportunity to further promote Volleyball and its values.
Pictures courtesy of OKS/Anže Malovrh