Today, for the third year in a row, we mark the Slovenian Sport Day. Once again, there will be many physical recreational events for young and old across the country. The main event will take place at Kongresni trg in the centre of Ljubljana. Slovenians are a talented sporting nation. Our athletes have been raising the visibility of our country throughout the world for many years. In recent years, we have also been spreading good publicity through our well-organised sports events, which have helped the country to gain a higher visibility. Slovenian athletes have been impressing with their achievements since the birth of our country. Some of them are globally recognised sports brands, such as the basketball player Luka Dončič. Increasingly, our country is transcending the limits of its small size by organising major sports competitions.  The recent co-organisation of the Volleyball World Championship is proof of this. The next big event will be the Nordic Championship in Planica. The number of competitions has increased significantly over the last two years. Every investment has paid off almost twofold.

Sport not only brings fun, passion, a way of life. It has long exceeded these limits, and also represents good business, which our country can capitalise on with its exceptional pool of talent.

Today's public holiday also marks the start of the European Week of Sport. This is an initiative of the European Commission to promote sport and physical activity.