Franjo Bobinac Photo: Luka Cjuha
Bobinac: I want Slovenia to become the most sporting country in the world
Franjo Bobinac, who was unanimously re-elected president of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia (OKS) at the election assembly, said that he is sure of continued state support for sports. At the same time, he wants to take Slovenia with the team to the most sporting country in the world.
OKS and Slovenian sports have shown good cooperation with the government in previous years. “Regardless of how the new Slovenian government will be formed, I am firmly convinced that it will pay a lot of attention to sport, which probably connects and unites us the most. I believe that the public sphere will continue to support the civil sports part of society, we cooperate well with the economy and tourism. Any combination will be acceptable,” he explained Franjo Bobinac.
There is no division into right and left in sports
After the first election in mid-December 2022, where he still had two rivals, he announced a significant increase in funding for sports from the state budget. In the last three years, these increased from 22 to 64 million euros. During this period, sport was transferred from school to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. “I don’t want to rush anything, but the whole of Slovenia lives for sport, there is no division between left and right. When we wait for our Zdravljica to sound, all our hearts beat together in the same rhythm and we look forward to the great successes of our athletes,” said Bobinac.
Together with the team, he wants Slovenia to become the most sporting nation in the world. Not only for top results on an international scale, but also for the active lifestyle of all generations. “We want to increase physical activity in all areas, from the youngest to the oldest. We also want to do this at the local level, introduce more hours of physical education in schools and universities. We should also have more para sports. There is no shortage of goals, we will fight to become the most sporting country in the world,” announced Bobinac.
Attention to sports heritage
Special attention will be paid to the care of Slovenian sports heritage and the establishment of the home of Slovenian sports in the center of the Slovenian capital. “Slovenian sport deserves to present itself and connect sporting achievements from the past. There will be a place for both young people and the remaining generations, for tourist tours. We are looking for a place in the center of Ljubljana, we are already very close to that, but we are not quite there. The central space will be dedicated to a museum, it will be possible to celebrate Slovenian successes. We are also planning a small shop for fans’ props and a cafe,” revealed Bobinac.
The 100% support he got in secret elections and for the first time in the history of OKS in an electronic way fills him with satisfaction. “I am certainly satisfied, but at the same time it is also an obligation. I am ambitious and a perfectionist enough to know that it is possible to do more in the next term. I am happy and proud that I will lead the Olympic family for another four years.”
Three candidates for vice-presidents, Metod Ropret, Miran Kos and Luka Steiner, who also had no rivals, came very close to his support. The athletes already elected Katja Koren as their representative as vice-president in mid-March. “I think this is an expression of the sports family’s trust. This result is a motivation for moving forward. I am also happy about the exceptional support of the vice-presidential team. I am also looking forward to working with the new executive committee so that we will take important steps to improve Slovenian sport even more,” concluded Bobinac.
