Socio-cultural event in Novo Mesto: Sport event for immigrant families

On June 10, 2024, our Pilot City Novo Mesto hosted a sports event for immigrant families at the Pilot site of Novo Mesto Olympic Centre. This initiative aimed to introduce families, who have relocated to Novo Mesto for economic reason or conflict in their home country, to the diverse sports and recreational activities available at the Centre.

The event, organized by the Association for the Development of Voluntary Work Novo Mesto, marked the first sports day for these new residents and saw the participation of over 180 individuals.

“In collaboration with the VARCITIES project and the Municipality of Novo Mesto, we showcased the sports infrastructure and facilities of the Novo Mesto Olympic Centre. The joy was palpable—not just among the children but also the adults, some of whom experienced a swimming pool for the first time since fleeing the war in Ukraine. Laughter, goodwill, and gratitude were evident throughout the day,” shared Branka Bukovec, president of the Association for the Development of Voluntary Work Novo Mesto.

The event featured a variety of activities: pool games, cycling on a training ground, creative workshops, and outdoor play. Families also explored the sensory learning forest trail, guided by Matej Avguštin, who is blind. Adding to the festivities, Zvezdice (“Stars”), a dance group of girls from Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine, performed under the direction of Daniela Hočevar from Venezuela.

Deputy Mayor of Novo Mesto, Urban Kramar, addressed the attendees, encouraging them to make frequent use of the Novo Mesto Olympic Centre for relaxation, recreation, or sports training. The event concluded with a delightful picnic on the platform in front of the swimming pool complex, rounding off a day filled with sports and fun.

Discover more about Novo Mesto’s Pilot on their Pilot page.