Sporting events, awards, prizes and the promotion of sport

Major international sporting events

These are events that are included in the annual calendar of sporting events of the relevant international sports federation and the national sports federation, namely:

• the Olympic and Paralympic Games,
• the European Games,
• the Youth Olympic Games,
• the Deaflympics,
• the Chess Olympiad,
• the World Games,
• the Mediterranean Games,
• the Universiade,
• the European Universities Games,
• World and European Championships (including junior championships),
• the European Youth Olympic Festival,
• World Cups,
• qualifying matches of the senior national team for participation in major international sporting events and international club matches in European club competitions in team sports at the highest level.

Under the Sports Act, a bid to host major international sporting events in the Republic of Slovenia (with the exception of national team qualifiers and top-level club competitions) requires:

• The establishment of an initiative body
• The preparation of a feasibility study with an impact assessment and measures
• The consent of the relevant sports federation (if the bidder is not the federation itself or the Olympic Committee of Slovenia)
• Prior to submitting the bid, obtaining the consent of the international sports federation for the bid and the consent of the state for potential co-financing from state funds (depending on the type of event: The National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, the Government or the ministry)

The Bloudek Awards

The Bloudek Awards have been presented since 1965 and are the most prestigious national awards in the field of sport. Proposals are collected annually through a public call, and the committee awards up to three Bloudek Prizes and ten Bloudek Plaques.

The Bloudek Prize

The Bloudek Prize may be granted to individuals for outstanding contributions to the development of sport in Slovenia or among Slovenians abroad, achieved through voluntary or professional work in the following fields: scientific research in sport, sports journalism and publishing, organisational work in sport, and the planning and construction of sports infrastructure.

The Bloudek Prize may also be granted to an athlete or sports team for outstanding international sporting achievements. An individual may receive the lifetime achievement Bloudek Prize if they have been active in sport for at least 30 years.

For exceptional contributions to sport (including science, journalism, organisation, infrastructure) or for outstanding international achievements; the prize may also be granted for one's lifetime achievement (30 years or more).

The Bludek Plaque

The Bloudek Plaque may be awarded to an individual or organisation for their significant contributions to the development of Slovenian sport. An athlete or sports team may receive the Bloudek Plaque for significant competitive achievements. An athlete may also receive the Plaque at the end of their competitive career if their achievements, character and example have contributed significantly to the development and popularisation of a particular sport or sporting discipline in Slovenia. An individual may receive the Bloudek Plaque for lifetime achievement if they have been active in sport for at least 20 years.

About Stanko Bloudek 

Stanko Bloudek (1890–1959), a graduate architect and engineer, is one of the most important figures in the history of Slovenian sport. With his professional, organisational and visionary work, he had a decisive impact on the development of both physical culture and sports infrastructure, helping to shape the identity of Slovenian sport.

He was the initiator and developer of numerous sports disciplines and a pioneer of sports infrastructure. Among his other activities, he contributed to the development of football, athletics, skating, ice hockey, swimming and women's sport as well as becoming particularly renowned in the field of ski jumping. In Planica, he designed the world's first ski flying hill as well as numerous other facilities at home and abroad.

His work transcended national boundaries as he was also active in various international sports organisations. In recognition of his exceptional and lasting contribution to the development of Slovenian sport, the highest state awards in the field of sport are presented in his name.

Pension supplement in the field of sport

Slovenia enables its citizens to obtain a pension supplement for work and exceptional achievements in the field of sport. This applies to individuals who, through their work and exceptional sporting achievements, have made a lasting contribution to the development of society and to the reputation of the Republic of Slovenia as well as being recipients of a pension under general regulations (old-age pension, disability pension or a pension from abroad).

The supplement amounts to 70–100 per cent of the difference up to the maximum old-age pension (the same for both sexes). The procedure is conducted by the ministry by means of a formal decision, and the payment is implemented through the Pension and Disability Insurance Institute of Slovenia.

Awards for outstanding achievements

The Ministry co-finances awards for top athletes and coaches for achievements at the highest level.

Awards for Olympic medals

In individual sports, Olympic medallists in individual events receive: 

• 55.000 euros for 1st place
• 45.000 euros for 2nd place
• 38.000 euros for 3rd place

In team events within individual sports, each team member:

• Receives 75% of the value of the individual award

Professional staff, namely, the coach of the athlete who has won an Olympic medal in an individual or team event receives:

• 100% of the value of the athlete's prize in the individual event

In team sports, the team that wins an Olympic medal receives:

• 300.000 euros for 1st place
• 240.000 euros for 2nd place
• 210.000 euros for 3rd place
• The team's coaching staff receive three times the amount awarded to the coach in an individual sport

Awards for other achievements

The Ministry initiates the procedure of evaluating and awarding prizes for other achievements by national teams, individuals and clubs (in particular, for achievements at the World and European Championships in Olympic sports disciplines) on the basis of proposals submitted by the national sports federations. 

For sporting achievements that have promoted the Republic of Slovenia beyond expectations, particularly by enhancing its visibility in the fields of tourism or the economy, the minister may award additional prizes to the athletes who achieved them.

Sports Museum

The Sports Museum preserves the tangible and intangible sporting heritage, while also presenting and exploring Slovenia's sporting past. It commemorates the most prominent achievements and other milestones of Slovenian athletes, sports workers and other individuals, as well as the successes of national teams, clubs or associations.