Youth Sports Games in Kruševac: Is This Really the Biggest Sports Spectacle for Kids in Europe?
The first day of the final of the 12th season of the Plazma Youth Sports Games in Kruševac was an explosion of sporting spirit, excitement, and a fantastic atmosphere. Teams from all over Serbia gathered at the fields in Bagdala Park, with the opening ceremony starting with the Serbian national anthem and a song about sport performed by the choir of the Nada Popović Elementary School, featuring soloist Marija Đorđević.
This major event, lasting the entire weekend, saw numerous young athletes participate, supported by prominent figures such as the president of the Plazma Youth Sports Games Serbia, Marija Mihajlović, and the head of the city administration, Vesna Anđelić. The atmosphere was further enhanced by performances from the Kuda Polet Padeža dance studio from Kruševac.
Within the Telekom Serbia Cup for younger age groups in small football, teams battled for the title. The semi-final saw Napredak Kruševac defeat Kiker Kraljevo 2-0, while in the final, Pazar Juniors from Novi Pazar triumphed over Portofino Lazarevac 3-0. The best goalkeeper was Mateja Raičević from Napredak, the top scorer A. Islamović from Pazar Juniors, and the best player Jusuf Paučinac, also from Pazar Juniors.
The Telekom Serbia Cup winners became the new representatives of Serbia in small football and will represent the country at the international Plazma Games final in Split from August 23 to 27.
The competition continues on July 14 with the exciting Coca-Cola Cup for younger age groups, marking the end of the 12th season’s national final. While the children compete, Coca-Cola Cup participants have the opportunity to visit Kruševac’s landmarks, such as the Lazarica Church, and enjoy the swimming pool.
The Plazma Youth Sports Games are not just a sports competition. They promote a healthy lifestyle, fair play, friendship, and respect for diversity, providing youth with an opportunity to distance themselves from the negative influences of today’s society. The games are open to all children aged 6 to 16, regardless of whether they actively play sports, and participation is completely free.
Children can compete in ten sports disciplines, including small football, 3×3 basketball, handball, chess, volleyball, beach volleyball, dodgeball, 60-meter sprint, tennis, and table tennis.
These games represent the largest amateur sports event for children in Europe, with a tradition of 29 years in Croatia, 15 in Bosnia and Herzegovina, 2 in Slovenia, and 12 in Serbia. Over 3 million participants have taken part in the competitions so far.
Besides sports competition, organizers strive to introduce children to the beauties of Serbia and promote environmental protection and anti-violence campaigns through educational workshops. Notable supporters include famous athletes and sports workers such as Aleksander Čeferin, Luis Figo, Nemanja Matić, and many others.
This spectacle is not just about medals and trophies but about building community, friendship, and healthy habits that children will carry throughout their lives. Is this really the biggest sports spectacle for kids in Europe? The numbers and enthusiasm of participants say yes.
If you thought youth sports games were just for fun, think again! These games are a real school of life, teaching values that today’s society desperately needs. And you, dear readers, what do you think? Is this the future of sports and child upbringing or just another event? Drop a comment, share your thoughts, and maybe surprise us!
Key facts:
- 12th season of Plazma Youth Sports Games
- Over 3 million participants across countries
- 10 sports disciplines
- Free participation for children aged 6 to 16
- International final in Split, August 2023
- Supported by famous athletes and institutions
This is not just sport; it is a movement changing the lives of youth across Serbia and the region!
