Sport

The role of sport and its impact on society

Slovenia pays special attention to sport, as it is of vital importance to the individual – it has a positive impact on physical and mental health, promotes social cohesion, volunteering, solidarity, tolerance and responsibility – as well as to society and the state.

The sporting activities of residents, top achievements and strong club structure all contribute significantly to national visibility and represent one of the key factors in promoting the Republic of Slovenia internationally.

Since 2020, Slovenia has celebrated Slovenian Sports Day each year on 23 September, further highlighting the importance of sport in society.

Public interest and support for the development of sport

Sport is of significant public interest, which is why its development is supported through public funding, while the state provides the appropriate systemic conditions for this.  The key strategic document guiding the development of sport over the next decade is the Resolution on the National Sports Programme 2026–2035. The document sets out the vision, objectives and development guidelines for the entire sports system – from top-level sport to sport for persons with disabilities as well as grassroots and recreational sport for all generations. With this document, the state is laying the foundations for coordinated long-term planning, stable funding and the effective implementation of sports policies at both the national and local level.

The Sports Inspectorate oversees the implementation of regulations in the field of sport.

Accessibility of sport for all

State measures are aimed at providing comprehensive support for the development of sport at all levels, from top-level sport and high-quality programmes to sport for children and young people, persons with disabilities and older adults. This ensures the balanced and sustainable development of sport and implements the principle of accessibility of sport for all.

Due to the significant impact of sport on society, the state's objectives in this field are broadly defined:

• To provide every individual with opportunities for both active and safe participation in sport in a safe, healthy environment;
• To create quality conditions for young people to participate in extracurricular sport, complementing their physical education and promoting motor, social and life skills alongside reinforcing a healthy lifestyle;
• To enable talented and motivated individuals to develop their sporting potential, achieve top results, establish themselves internationally and receive public recognition, thereby enhancing Slovenia's reputation abroad;
• To promote the values of fair play, respect, responsibility and solidarity, while ensuring the safety, dignity and well-being of all those involved in sport;
• To create an inclusive and encouraging environment for various forms of sport, socialising and quality and active leisure time for all generations in line with the principles of sustainable development;
• To strengthen the role of sports organisations, particularly those operating in the public interest and contributing significantly to the development of communities and social cohesion through high-quality programmes and dedicated volunteer work.