GOVSI Podkast: Pariz, prihajamo!

Z novo epizodo GOVSI podkasta odštevamo še zadnje dni do olimpijskih iger v Parizu. V studiu smo gostili predsednika Olimpijskega komiteja Slovenija Franja Bobinca. Z njim se je pogovarjala direktorica Urada RS za komuniciranje Petra Bezjak Cirman.

Slovenijo bo v Parizu zastopala najštevilnejša reprezentanca doslej, saj šteje kar 90 članov. Čeprav bi si posebno omembo zaslužil prav vsak med njimi, naj tokrat posebej izpostavimo žensko rokometno reprezentanco, saj gre za prvo uvrstitev na OI za kateri koli ženski ekipni šport pri nas. 

Pariz je tokrat že tretjič prizorišče olimpijskih iger. Tiste pred natanko sto leti, leta 1924, so za nas še posebej znamenite, saj je olimpionik Leon Štukelj tam postal prvi Slovenec z osvojeno zlato medaljo.

Če boste med 26. julijem in 11. avgustom med navijači, priporočamo, da si preberete informacije, namenjene slovenskim državljanom. Sicer pa - kot v podkastu poudari tokratni gost – kjer koli že boste, verjamemo, da bo od 26. julija dalje vsa Slovenija dihala z našimi športnicami in športniki kot eno. 

Pariz, prihajamo! 

Vabljeni k poslušanju in ogledu epizode.

[ENGLISH VERSION]
GOVSI Podcast: Paris, here we come! 

With the new episode of the GOVSI podcast, we are counting down the last days until the Olympic Games in Paris. In the studio, we hosted the president of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, Franjo Bobinac. Petra Bezjak Cirman, director of the Office of Communications of the Republic of Slovenia, spoke with him. 

Slovenia will be represented in Paris by the largest national team ever, with as many as 90 members. Although each of them deserves a special mention, let's single out the women's handball national team this time, as it is the first placement at the OI for any women's team sport in our country. 

Paris is the venue of the Olympic Games for the third time. Those exactly one hundred years ago, in 1924, are particularly famous for us, as Olympian Leon Štukelj became the first Slovenian to win a gold medal there. 

If you will be among the fans between July 26 and August 11, we recommend that you read the information intended for Slovenian citizens. Otherwise - as this time's guest points out in the podcast - wherever you are, we believe that from July 26, all of Slovenia will breathe with our athletes as one. 

Paris, here we come! 

You are invited to listen and watch the episode.

Transcript

Vladni podkast Govsi.

Voditeljica Petra Bezjak Cirman: Dober dan, spoštovane poslušalke, poslušalci, gledalke in gledalci. Dobrodošli v deveti epizodi vladnega podkasta Govsi v produkciji Urada za komuniciranje. Podkaste lahko spremljate vsepovsod, kjer jih poslušate, saj ga bomo objavili na vseh kanalih. Tokratnega posvečamo športu, ki nas Slovence najbolj povezuje in združuje. Po končanju evropskega nogometnega prvenstva in velike evforije, ki je zajela Slovenijo, je pred nami začetek olimpijskih iger v Parizu. Zato smo v goste povabili predsednika Olimpijskega komiteja Slovenije - Združenja športnih zvez Franja Bobinca. Dober dan.

Gost Franjo Bobinac: Dober dan. Lep pozdrav.

Voditeljica: Po sto letih se igre vračajo v francosko prestolnico. Za Slovenijo bo to tudi stoletnica prve olimpijske zlate kolajne, ki jo je v Parizu osvojil slovenski športnik stoletja, legendarni Leon Štukelj. Pariz je torej za Slovenijo srečno mesto?

Bobinac: Ja, prav zanimiva simbolika, res je. In Pariz bo letos postal tretje mesto na svetu, ki bo trikrat gostilo olimpijske igre. In prav zanimivo je, da točno sto let nazaj je Leon Štukelj v Parizu osvojil zlato medaljo in zdaj smo ponovno na olimpijskih igrah. Torej, po 12 letih se olimpijske igre pojavljajo na evropskih tleh. In to v Parizu.

Voditeljica: Pred snemanjem ste mi zaupali, da tiho upate na vrhunske športne dosežke naših olimpijcev. Pričakujemo seveda tudi navijači, Slovenci in Slovenke. Uradno geslo olimpijskih iger je, če bom kaj narobe izrekla, me popravite, ker vem, da ste odlični v francoščini, čeprav je to latinsko. Citius, altius, fortius, kar pomeni hitreje, višje, močneje. Kako visoko bomo posegli Slovenci?

Bobinac: No, najprej bi rekel, da smo visoko posegli že s tem, da imamo močno, dobro pripravljeno olimpijsko reprezentanco. Bo tudi najštevilčnejša doslej. Računamo predvidoma 90 športnic in športnikov, kar je celo več kot takrat leta 2004 v Atenah, ko je bilo 79 športnic in športnikov. Tako da na nek način rekord je dosežen, pri čemer je razmerje med tekmovalkami in tekmovalci, športnicami in športniki iz Slovenije skorajda izenačeno 50 : 50.

Voditeljica: Kako je to pomembno? Recimo, prvič se je uvrstila na olimpijske igre rokometna ženska reprezentanca. Kaj pomeni ta enakost spolov na olimpijskih igrah za Slovenijo?

Bobinac: Lahko rečem, da že organizatorji sami, ko poudarjajo pomen letošnjih olimpijskih iger v Parizu, pravijo, da bodo to najbolj trajnostne, najbolj urbane igre v tem smislu, da bodo bližje ljudem, ker se bodo večinoma dogajale v samem središču mesta, hkrati pa bodo tudi najbolj vključujoče. To pomeni ravnotežje med športnicami in športniki popolnoma izenačeno prvič v zgodovini in vesel sem, da ima tudi Slovenija tako razmerje. In res je, prvič v zgodovini se je v nekem kolektivnem športu uvrstila na olimpijske igre iz Slovenije tudi ženska reprezentanca v rokometu. To je velika stvar in zelo smo ponosni na to.

Voditeljica: Kaj pa moška rokometna reprezentanca? Je to v bistvu naša najštevilčnejša ekipa v tem športu, v rokometu?

Bobinac: Ja, zanimivo je, da moška rokometna reprezentanca je pa že kar nekajkrat bila na olimpijadi. Ženska torej prvič. In če tako vzamemo, res je, če seštejemo torej rokometašice in rokometaše, bo to po številu najmočnejši del te olimpijske odprave. Ampak seveda, tu so odbojkarji, ki so nas navdušili z uvrstitvijo na olimpijske igre, tudi prvič. Imamo pa seveda izjemne posameznice in posameznike, ki bodo nastopali v številnih, več kot 15 športnih disciplinah in predstavljali Slovenijo in prepričan sem, da bodo dali vse od sebe. Medalj ne napovedujem rad, lahko se zgodijo. Vem, da se bodo. Koliko jih bo, je težko reči, ampak vem, da bodo športnice in športniki dali vse od sebe. Mi bomo pa popolnoma poenoteni, ko bomo navijali zanje. Vsa naša srca bodo bila v istem ritmu in z mislijo na našo Zdravljico.

Voditeljica: Ste me prehiteli. Jaz tudi polagam upe v odbojkarje in na medaljo na tem prvenstvu.

Bobinac: Tako kot so nekako kot ekipa postavljeni, tako kot se dobro razumejo, so dobro vodeni. Hierarhija je popolnoma postavljena. Se mi zdi, da resnično trkajo na vrata tistih kandidatov za najvišja mesta. Ekstremno si želijo torej vrhunskega nastopa na olimpijskih igrah in verjamem, da jim lahko uspe.

Voditeljica: Niso to edini športniki, ta dva športa, ki sva ju kdaj omenila, ki lahko sežejo po medaljah. Mi smo prepoznavni po novem po kolesarjenju. Imamo izjemno plezalko, tudi v kakšnih borilnih veščinah smo bili vedno uspešni. Kakšna je zastopanost v teh panogah?

Bobinac: Pa seveda tudi atletika, pa kajakaši in tako naprej, da ne naštevam vsega ostalega. Tudi formula kajt kot neka nova olimpijska športna panoga ima močnega kandidata za medaljo, ampak mislim, da ni prav, da naštevava samo nekatere, ker bova gotovo nekatere pozabila. Ampak ja, absolutno imamo veliko dobrih športnikov in športnic in nekateri so resnično tisti, ki lahko upajo na medalje. In verjamem, da tudi bodo.

Voditeljica: Seveda jim bomo pri tem pomagali slovenski navijači tu doma in seveda v Parizu. Koliko jih pričakujete?

Bobinac: Težko je reči, ampak mi imamo to našo slovensko hišo, o tem bova verjetno spregovorila kasneje, postavljeno v centru te navijaške cone v Parizu. Mimo tega našega objekta bo šlo 100.000 ljudi vsak dan. Jaz verjamem, da nekaj tisoč tudi Slovencev. Če bi vse skupaj sešteli, verjamem, da jih bo nekaj deset tisoč prav gotovo prišlo v Pariz. Pariz ni tako zelo daleč, to je 1300 km približno iz Slovenije, da se doseči tudi z avtomobili. Kot rečeno, po 12 letih olimpijske igre ponovno na evropskih tleh, potem jih pa najmanj 12 let ponovno ne bo v Evropi, kajti sledi Los Angeles, Brisbane in potem naslednji ciklus. Tako da mislim, da bodo slovenski navijači to resnično izkoristili in bodo prišli navijat za nas in se družit in uživat ta olimpijski duh.

Voditeljica: Kar ostaniva pri slovenski hiši. Torej, to bo stičišče, kamor se bodo lahko prišli pozabavat, kaj spregovorit športniki, navijači, če prav razumem. In stala bo v pariškem parku La Villette, v neposredni bližini olimpijske vasi in stadiona Stade de France. Drži?

Bobinac: Ja, vse drži. Lahko rečem, da sem zelo vesel, da smo se tega projekta slovenske hiše lotili odločno in predvsem pravočasno. Že leto in pol nazaj, ko sem z ekipo prvič obiskal našo operativo na Olimpijskem komiteju Pariz, smo pogledali možne lokacije in glede na to, da sem kar nekaj let tam preživel, sem pravzaprav vedel, da je tale v parku La Villette tista prava in da jo je treba vzeti za čas olimpijskih iger za svojo. Zato smo kar hitro podpisali tisto predpogodbo in se projekta lotili zelo resno. Zelo sem vesel, da smo imeli že lani junija priliko ta projekt predstaviti tudi na seji Vlade Republike Slovenije, še prej na resornem ministrstvu. In da smo dobili eno veliko podporo in se ob tej priliki resnično iskreno zahvaljujem Vladi Republike Slovenije in različnim ministrstvom. Jasno, seveda tudi našemu resornemu za gospodarstvo, turizem in šport za vso podporo, kajti brez tega ta program ne bi bil tako pester in ne bi naredili tistega, kar bomo naredili. In to bo resnično domovanje, kjer bomo v času olimpijskih iger slavili šport in športne dosežke, se družili in predstavljali Slovenijo v najširšem pomenu besede, torej tudi njeno kulturo, znanost, kulinariko. Nenazadnje se bomo srečali tudi s Slovenci po svetu. Bo zanimivo in lepo.

Voditeljica: Pripravljamo skupaj tudi določene tematske okrogle mize. Morda še kaj o tem poveste? 

Bobinac: Program bo res pester. Kot rečeno, partner je vlada, ministrstvo, UKOM, Slovenska turistična organizacija pa SPIRIT. SPIRIT je recimo pritegnil kar nekaj delodajalskih organizacij, z njimi organizira neke dogodke, tako da veliko bo gospodarstvenikov iz Slovenije, ki se bodo družili in povezovali z gospodarstveniki iz tujine. Kajti Pariz bo letos poleti ne samo središče športnega, ampak tudi poslovnega in diplomatskega sveta. Po drugi strani pa v Slovenski hiši pričakujemo tudi veliko gostov z Mednarodnega olimpijskega komiteja, Evropskih olimpijskih komitejev, vrhunskih bivših športnikov in funkcionarjev. Zelo pomembna bo ta politična nota. Mislim, da prostor za diplomacijo je. Naši vrhunski, najvišji politiki ga bodo s pridom izkoristili. Imamo dogovorjen seveda obisk predsednice države, ki nas bo nagovorila na enem izmed dogodkov za opolnomočenje žensk. Predsednik vlade je prav tako potrdil svoj obisk in bo eden izmed ključnih govornikov na konferenci, kjer bomo odprli temo trajnosti in zelenega preboja. Imeli bomo zanimivo okroglo mizo o športnikih in drugi karieri, kjer pričakujemo nekaj legendarnih imen iz sveta športa, tako iz Slovenije kot iz tujine. Resnično bo lepo in zanimivo.

Voditeljica: Torej, športniki so tudi ambasadorji naše Slovenije.

Bobinac: Absolutno. Ves čas trdim, da pravzaprav, če kdo, je potem resnično šport in športniki in športnice glavni ambasador naše Slovenije z vidika razpoznavnosti in njenega ugleda. Po drugi strani, če nadaljujem, pa je šport tisti, ki nas resnično najbolj povezuje in tu pri športu, ko navijamo za naše ekipe, za naše športnike, ni časa za razmišljati levo ali desno, ampak enostavno razmišljamo samo o skupnem uspehu in zdi se mi pomembno tudi to, da so ravno športniki največji navdih za mlade. So pa s svojimi vrednotami, ki jih zastopajo, in to so tudi olimpijske vrednote sodelovanja, spoštovanja, prijateljstva, so resnično navdih ne samo za mlade, ampak za vse nas.

Voditeljica: Verjetno pozivate tudi navijače, naj v tem duhu navijajo za naše športnike?

Bobinac: Ja, seveda. Navijačem bi najprej seveda zaželel srečno pot. Naj pridejo, naj se veselijo, naj uživajo, naj občutijo ta olimpijski duh. Ampak jasno, naša pričakovanja tu so, da naj si dajo duška in iz srca navijajo za naše športnike in športnice, za naše ekipe in posameznike. Ampak treba je biti fer. Treba je spoštovati nasprotnike, treba je biti spoštljiv in povezovalen tudi na tej ravni. Ampak nimam nobene bojazni. Slovenski navijači generalno, razen žal kakšnih redkih izjem, so absolutno dobri navijači in se jih veselimo v Parizu.

Voditeljica: Ne morem se izogniti vroči temi tega poletja. Navijaški dresi. Kakšne barve naj bodo? Vi imate v bistvu predpisano, da naj bi bile določene barvne lestvice, med njimi tudi zelena. Zdaj, pri nogometaših smo videli, da so bili navijači različnih barv, celo nogometne drese so pa izbirali navijači z anketo. Kakšni naj bodo slovenski navijači? Kakšna se vam zdi ta razprava o dresih? Moramo biti oranžni kot Nizozemci ali zeleni, ker je to tudi naša blagovna znamka I Feel Slovenia ali morda rdeči kot Danci?

Bobinac: Najprej bi rekel, da smo že pred leti na Olimpijskem komiteju v okviru marketinškega sveta in tudi sicer postavili neka pravila igre za drese reprezentanc in tudi za navijače. In ne glede na tri barve v zastavi so nekako, kar se tiče dresov in navijačev, šle zadeve v smer zelene, modre in bele. In to je tudi naša olimpijska kolekcija že dolgo vrsto let tako zasnovana in tudi aktualna. Tako da ne glede na posamezne mogoče usmeritve, ki so v kaki posamični nacionalni panožni športni zvezi lahko drugačne, drugačne so pa tudi zato, ker so proizvajalci teh dresov za posamezne športe različni in imajo različne barve in je težko včasih te zadeve uskladiti. Ampak navijači ne bodo naredili nobene napake, če bodo iskali navijaške drese v neki kombinaciji zelene, bele in modre.

Voditeljica: Odlično. Omenili ste že, da imate tudi vi posebno kolekcijo za olimpijske igre. Oblikovalec je bil Sandi Murovec. Pa jo mogoče malo bolj predstavite? Tudi te barve, ki ste jih zdaj povedali, so vsebovane v tej vaši kolekciji?

Bobinac: Ja, absolutno. In ta kolekcija za letošnje olimpijske igre ni pravzaprav nič revolucionarno drugačna, kot je bila prejšnja. Pa še nekaj prejšnjih. To je bil tudi naš namen, kajti mnogi navijači hranijo te svoje drese, šale, majice in trenirke s prejšnjih olimpijad, tako da smo želeli s to novo kolekcijo zadevo samo nadgraditi. In mislim, da nam je to dobro uspelo z vidika našega opremljevalca, ki ostaja opremljevalec Peak, namreč korporacija Peak. Tudi za naslednje osemletno obdobje smo mislim, da zastavili res lepe drese za naše reprezentante in reprezentantke in tudi za navijače.

Voditeljica: Še ena navijaška tema. Slogan Kdor ne skače, ni Sloven'c. Mi ga imamo za svojega, ga je pa tuja korporacija pri nas registrirala za njihovega. Vi ste se kar ostro odzvali. Zakaj?

Bobinac: Lepo ste rekli, to je korporacija. Ne bomo je imenovali in ne bomo delali reklame, ampak preprosto se to po moje ne dela. Prvič, da se sploh poskuša registrirati in se registrira nek splošen pojem. Že itak je tu na nek način problem, na drugi strani pa da to uporabljaš in ob tem niti ne vlagaš v slovenski šport, je najmanj nekorektno, zato smo se odzvali hitro in odločno po pravni poti in zahtevali ničnost tega. Zadeva je v proceduri. V zadnjem času se mi zdi, da tega nismo kaj dosti zasledili, tako da morda se bo ta korporacija sama zamislila in preprosto tega več ne bo uporabljala.

Voditeljica: Greva še malce v Pariz. V slovenski hiši ste že povedali, bo veliko dejavnosti. Ena od njih je povezana s slovensko baklo, ki bo tam končala svojo 7118 km dolgo pot. Baklo je na njeni poti oziroma jo bo poneslo kar 9330 nosilcev. Kaj nam sporoča ta bakla? Kakšen je njen pomen, da bo ravno v Parizu končala svojo pot?

Bobinac: To je en res za moj okus čudovit, izjemen projekt, ki smo se ga na Olimpijskem komiteju Slovenije Združenju športnih zvez lotili že pred časom in absolutno ga tudi ta vodilna ekipa zdaj v tem mandatu nadaljuje, ker je zelo zelo dober, ker povezuje ljudi, navijače, športnike in preprosto državljane in državljanke po celi Sloveniji. Začeli smo pred dvema mesecema v Lendavi, zaključujemo v teh dneh v Mojstrani, predvsem pa širimo vrednote olimpizma. Nekako živimo ta olimpijski duh. Čeprav je Pariz blizu, vsi ne bodo prišli na olimpijske igre, ampak da doživijo ta olimpijski duh, slovensko baklo v svojem kraju, v svoji vasi. Vključujemo otroke, mladostnike, starejše, športnike, bivše, legendarne parašportnike. Tako da s tega zornega kota se mi zdi, da je to en lep projekt. In če k temu dodam mogoče še olimpijski festival, skratka na različnih koncih po Sloveniji v času olimpijskih iger se bodo odvijali skupni navijaški scenariji, kjer bomo družno navijali za Slovenijo. In ta olimpijski festival in slovenska bakla sta ta dva projekta, na katera smo v Olimpijskem komiteju res zelo ponosni. In poleg samih olimpijskih iger pomenita nekako zaokroženje tega olimpijskega paketa.

Voditeljica: Jaz vas moram na tem mestu vprašati to, kar sem si za konec privarčevala. Olimpijske igre, to je tisočletno. Igre, čas, ko naj bi bil mir, in vemo, da se je v bistvu vojna v Ukrajini začela po koncu olimpijskih iger, takrat na Kitajskem zimskih. Kaj pričakujete? Kakšno je sporočilo olimpijskih iger in kaj sploh pričakujete? Bo mir v Evropi, saj imamo skoraj na pragu naše Evrope to vojno?

Bobinac: Ja, zelo resno vprašanje, ampak v bistvu pravo vprašanje ob tem, če bi me čisto osebno in intimno vprašali, česa si najbolj želim ob teh olimpijskih igrah. Bom odkrito povedal. Seveda si želimo medalje in dobrih nastopov, ampak kot človek, vsak posameznik, državljan tega sveta, si pa mora želeti mir. In želimo si resnično, da bi se te norije, vojne, konflikti ustavili ne samo v času olimpijskih iger ali pa vsaj za čas olimpijskih iger, kot so to znali narediti včasih. Nisem trdno prepričan, da se bo to zgodilo, ampak poskušajmo najti ta duh olimpizma, naj te vrednote, kot rečeno, sodelovanja, prijateljstva, spoštovanja, fair playa naj zavladajo svetu. In če kaj, potem smo že prej rekli, da šport povezuje ljudi v Sloveniji, naj jih poveže tudi v svetu in naj bo šport z mislijo na mir tisti, ki nas bo navdihoval, da se bomo kot ljudje, posamezniki začeli malo bolj odgovorno obnašati do tega sveta, kajti ta svet se v tem trenutku vrti v popolnoma napačno smer. Naj ga šport poveže in resnično morda šport, pardon, svet potrebuje več športa kot pa vsega ostalega, kajti te vrednote so tiste, ki so zmagovite tudi za mir.

Voditeljica: V tej luči v bistvu je tudi varnost na olimpijskih igrah pomembna tema. Kako je poskrbljeno zanjo? Vemo, da je Francija ena tistih držav v Evropi, ki zelo glasno in jasno pove, na kateri strani je v tem primeru med Rusijo in Ukrajino. Imajo zelo izdelano stališče in zato so tudi tarča, kar mi spremljamo, recimo številnih dezinformacijskih kampanj, ki prihajajo iz Rusije. Kako pa bo poskrbljeno za varnost?

Bobinac: Ja, no, preden mogoče nekaj rečem o varnosti, bi rekel samo to, da je Mednarodni olimpijski komite, mislim, da dovolj modro vodil to zgodbo vključevanja, ne, vključevanja različnih športnikov po svetu in v bistvu je na nek način nediskriminatoren, ampak seveda na olimpijskih igrah v Parizu ne bo nobenih simbolov, znakov, zastav, grbov in himen teh agresorskih držav. Govorimo seveda predvsem o Rusiji in tudi Belorusiji. Lahko pa morda pričakujemo neke težnje ali pa vsaj nevarnost pa obstaja in zato jaz mislim, da moramo na eni strani dati eno veliko zaupanje organizatorjem, Francozom, da bodo resnično poskrbeli, da bo vse potekalo tako, kot bo potekalo. Jaz sam verjamem, da bodo. Vem, da se tega zavedajo. Vem, da je predvidena izjemna otvoritvena slovesnost na Seni in da bi bilo to fantastično in verjamem, da tudi bo. Ampak če bodo potrebe, verjamem, da imajo organizatorji tudi druge scenarije za to, da bodo lahko v prvi vrsti zadostili potrebam varnosti tega dogodka.

Voditeljica: Se pa pričakuje kar nekaj gneče v Parizu v tem času. Imate kakšen nasvet za tiste, ki bodo šli na olimpijske igre? Vi zelo dobro verjetno poznate Francijo. Menda odlično govorite francosko.

Bobinac: Ja, verjetno bo gneča, ampak že poleti običajno se Parižani, glede na to, da sem kar nekaj let bil z njimi tam, lahko ugotavljam, da se po navadi v času poletja kar izselijo iz Pariza in grejo drugam in se mi zdi, da letos v Parizu bo še najmanj Parižanov tam. Gneča bo, ampak navijačev iz vsega sveta. Ampak tudi to je nenazadnje čar olimpijskih iger. Mislim, da javni transport bo dobro funkcioniral. Treba je biti samo pravočasen in v bistvu razmišljati o določenih razdaljah in se pravočasno odpraviti na pot.

Voditeljica: Zazriva se še v prihodnost, pa ne to na olimpijskih igrah, ampak za več desetletij naprej. Slovenija je v zadnjem času športna država. V vsakem športu smo uspešni. Čemu bi to pripisujete? Ga ni športa, recimo, kjer ne bi imeli enkrat v obdobju neke zmagovalne sile.

Bobinac: Ja, že na mnogih olimpijskih igrah smo nekako ocenjevali, da smo vedno med tremi, petimi najuspešnejšimi državami na svetu, kar se tiče medalj na prebivalca. Prav zanimivo bo izračunati teh 90 športnikov, športnic na prebivalca. Mislim, da smo celo res na sami špici sveta, kar se tega tiče. Zelo smo uspešni in samo število panog, kjer tekmujemo, je izjemno veliko in mnogi po svetu nas včasih sprašujejo, kako je to mogoče. In moj odgovor običajno je tudi v to smer, da imamo po moje nek športni model, poslovni model, ki je zelo zanimiv, ampak mogoče je prva točka že ta, da se šport začne negovati že v družinskem okolju, doma in potem starši lepoto športa in nagnjenje do športa prenesemo na otroke, jih vpišemo v društva, klube, združenja na lokalni ravni. Namreč ni vrhunskega športa brez športa na lokalni ravni. In tu lahko povem, da v bistvu seveda imamo močno olimpijsko reprezentanco, ampak če ne bi dobro delale nacionalne panožne športne zveze, njihovi trenerji, pa potem trenerji, strokovni štabi po klubih, društvih na lokalni ravni, tega ne bi bilo. Tako da Dončići, Urnauti, Pogačarji, Janje in tako naprej, so vedno nekje začeli. Začeli so na lokalni ravni in brez športa na lokalni ravni ni vrhunskega športa. Imamo torej podporo družine. Imamo prostovoljce, imamo šport na lokalni ravni, imamo vrhunske trenerje, imamo izobraževalni sistem, ki to podpira, in nenazadnje imamo pokrovitelje, partnerje, sponzorje. Kot rečeno, vlada Republike Slovenije pod vodstvom doktorja Roberta Goloba in Ministrstvo za gospodarstvo, turizem in šport, ki ga vodi Matjaž Han, celotna njegova ekipa z Dejanom Židanom in tako naprej na čelu, vsi močno podpirajo šport. Sredstva smo tudi iz javnih virov v zadnjem času lepo povečali, skorajda podvojili v dveh letih. In prav je, da s tem nadaljujemo. Če bomo uspeli dolgoročno financiranje zagotoviti, mislim, da ni nobenega problema, da se bo uspešnost športa in športnikov iz Slovenije nadaljevala tudi v prihodnjih letih in desetletjih.

Voditeljica: Jaz bi tukaj še omenila infrastrukturo, verjetno smo tudi v njo veliko vložili. Športne telovadnice so res na vrhunskem nivoju, da res lahko otroci tam pridobijo najboljšo športno vzgojo. Menite, da je tudi to pomembno, da veliko vlagamo v športno infrastrukturo?

Bobinac: Absolutno. Vprašanje je retorično. Infrastruktura je zelo potrebna. Del te je v dobrem stanju, del te zahteva obnovo, nekaj stvari pa je potrebno zgraditi na novo in zato se mi zdi, da je prav, da je ta projekt bodočih investicij v infrastrukturo zastavljen tako, kot je, da je zastavljen srednjeročno, dolgoročno. In vesel sem, da je Olimpijski komite Slovenije - Združenje športnih zvez pomemben partner resornega ministrstva za razvoj infrastrukture, še posebej v tem delu, ko je treba razmisliti, kje postaviti te nacionalne športne olimpijske centre v Sloveniji, postaviti prioritete in se odločiti zanje.

Voditeljica: Kaj bi bilo treba najprej na novo zgraditi, da so nekateri nujni projekti?

Bobinac: Ne bi jih posamično našteval, ker je to v bistvu mogoče tematika za drug podkast, ampak se mi zdi, da je prav, da gledamo celovito, kajti model slovenskega športa, o katerem sem prej govoril, ne pomeni neke velike specializacije. Nekatere države so se lotile tega projekta športnega razvoja, športne vzgoje z vidika specializacije, slovenski model pa je širok, dati prostor različnim športnim panogam in jih v bistvu tudi opremiti, vključno z infrastrukturo. In znotraj tega je pač potrebno narediti razmislek, katere projekte obdelati letos, drugo leto in tako naprej, katere obnoviti in katere postaviti na novo.

Voditeljica: Ker bo tudi vprašanje trajnosti ena od tematik v slovenski hiši. Kakšna je prihodnost v tem pogledu zimskih športov? Kje bomo sploh lahko še trenirali zimske športe glede na globalno segrevanje in da imamo čedalje milejše zime?

Bobinac: Ja, seveda, izzivi so veliki in jaz verjamem, da tudi Mednarodna smučarska zveza razmišlja o teh zadevah. Morda je to spet priložnost za en drug pogovor, ampak zaenkrat, seveda, olimpijske igre v Parizu so pred nami, ampak slovenska krovna organizacija športa je z mislimi že tudi v Milanu in Cortini na naslednjih zimskih olimpijskih igrah, kjer bo slovenska ekipa spet močno zastopana. Ampak ja, ko Mednarodni olimpijski komite razmišlja o novih lokacijah, kje postaviti olimpijske igre za naslednje cikle naslednjih olimpijad, je pomemben razmislek tudi o trajnosti v tem smislu, da ni potrebno graditi nekih novih športnih kapacitet, ampak raje, če se le da, izkoristiti obstoječe. Tudi to je trajnostni vidik športa.

Voditeljica: Prej ste namreč omenili, da bomo vzgojili nove Dončiće in Urnaute. Bomo vzgojili nove Tine Maze, bi bilo zdaj moje vprašanje.

Bobinac: Prav gotovo. Smučanje je naš nacionalni šport. Verjamem, da bo tako tudi ostalo.

Voditeljica: Mislim v vidiku globalnega segrevanja in tega, da v Črni na Koroškem, recimo, je težko še sneg, kjer bi lahko trenirali že od malih nog, v tem pogledu.

Bobinac: Morda bomo pa zgradili kake dvorane, kjer se bomo lahko zabavali, družili in tudi trenirali, ampak poleg smučanja, mislim, da je kar nekaj takih nacionalnih športov. Morda na prvo mesto z vidika množičnosti dajem kolesarstvo. Tako da ne samo, da imamo izjemne šampione, ampak to resnično postaja tisti šport, ki se ga Slovenci in Slovenke radi lotevamo. Jasno pa, da so nam športniki ponovno navdih za to.

Voditeljica: Je zdaj kolesarstvo to, ki je v ospredju v Sloveniji zaradi vzgoje od malih nog ali smo več vlagali in se načrtno odločali za kolesarstvo?

Bobinac: Mogoče kombinacija, ampak k temu, kar ste omenili, bi dodal še samo to. Resnično vrhunski uspehi, predvsem Primoža Rogliča in Tadeja Pogačarja in vseh ostalih, ki jima sledijo, to je dodaten navdih. Je pa ravno kolesarstvo tisti šport, ki je izjemno trajnosten z vidika okolja. Ampak trajnosten pogled na svet ni samo okolje, ampak vemo, da je tudi ta socialna in ekonomska komponenta. In se mi zdi, da je to blizu Slovencem zato, ker je, kot rečeno, ne samo šport, ki se ga lahko lotevamo znotraj družine, ampak imamo resnično vrhunske šampione.

Voditeljica: Zdrav duh v zdravem telesu s kolesarjenjem zagotovo velja, v vseh letnih časih.

Bobinac: V vseh letnih časih. Sami vidimo, ko se vozimo po Sloveniji. Niti sneg in veter in dež jih ne zaustavi. Se mi zdi, da smo res, zadnja leta imamo ogromno kolesarjev in temu primerno tudi kolesarskih stez po Sloveniji, ki smo jih sofinancirali iz evropskega denarja. Tu je še možnost za napredek, tako kot pri cestni infrastrukturi, za kolesarsko, ampak verjamem, da bomo naredili tudi v naslednjih letih pomembne korake v to smer.

Voditeljica: Počasi zaključujeva. Imam torej presenečenje za vas, ki pa verjamem, da vam ne bo predstavljalo težav. Sem že omenila, da ste odlični v francoščini. Včasih ste tudi peli. Bi mogoče kaj o tem povedali?

Bobinac: To je bilo v prvem življenju, tako da je že zelo daleč nazaj. Ampak zapojem še zdaj kdaj, pa zaigram na kitaro, ampak v manjših družbah, v domačem okolju, med prijatelji, za kak rojstni dan. Francoščina mi je pa blizu, ja. To pa to pa že ves čas. Pet let sem tam preživel, še končal neke šole tam in tako dalje. Ampak ni to pomembno. Mi je zelo blizu in se mi zdi, da je tudi to zanimiva simbolika, da se ravno prve olimpijske igre, na katere se odpravljam kot predsednik krovne organizacije slovenskega športa, odvijajo v Parizu.

Voditeljica: Ko ste to omenili, smo blizu cilju, da Slovenija pridobi mesto v Mednarodnem olimpijskem komiteju? Čez cel pogovor smo zaznali te vaše menedžerske veščine, ki jih že celo življenje gojite. Bo tudi tukaj uspeh?

Bobinac: Pri podobnih stvareh je pomembno, da greš po neki poti. Vse je proces. Če sem čisto odkrit, tudi glede na moja leta, se mi zdi, da je zame zelo pomembno in z mojo ekipo, da tlakujem pot naslednikom, naslednicam, da se bo to nekoč nekje zgodilo in to se bo, sem trdno prepričan. Sem pa vesel, da smo en pomemben kamenček v mozaiku naredili že s tem, ko me je pred meseci predsednik Thomas Bach povabil v komisijo za trženje in komercialna partnerstva Mednarodnega olimpijskega komiteja, da sodelujem z njimi, in se mi zdi, da so tudi to neki pomembni koraki v to smer. In da ne pozabim zelo pomembno je delo tudi vseh ostalih športnih funkcionarjev, ki delujejo v različnih panožnih športnih zvezah. Naj omenim seveda izjemnega Aleksandra Čeferina, imamo tudi seveda na smučarski zvezi Enza Smrekarja, mednarodni, pa potem Metoda Ropreta. Oba sta tudi moja podpredsednika. Pa še več jih je. Tako da se mi zdi, da vsakdo, ki tako ali drugače deluje v mednarodnih športnih organizacijah in pomaga na krovni ravni mednarodnemu športu, tlakuje pot temu procesu, da bo tudi Slovenija nekoč dobila sedež v MOK-u. Tu pa ne smemo pozabiti, da je legendarni in prvi predsednik Olimpijskega komiteja Slovenije - Združenja športnih zvez dr. Janez Kocjančič pustil izjemen pečat v svetovnem olimpizmu, še posebej kot predsednik tudi Evropskih olimpijskih komitejev. Nenazadnje je ena izmed nagrad Evropskih olimpijskih komitejev letos prvič bila podeljena in se imenuje po njem. Tako da gremo po tej poti tudi Kocijančičevi naprej in mislim, da nekako loščimo ugled slovenskega športa na tej diplomatski ravni. V zadnjih letih morda ni bilo storjenega veliko v to smer, ampak to je ena izmed ključnih nalog tudi tega vodstva za naprej.

Voditeljica: Držim pesti, da vam uspe, tudi nam. Tudi na olimpijskih igrah. Za konec menim, da ne bo težav tega prebrati, kar so morali tudi naši olimpijci, preden gredo v Pariz, prebrati. Izvolite.

Bobinac: Se popolnoma strinjam.

Voditeljica: Torej, če prevedeva, pridi navijat za nas v Pariz.

Bobinac: Absolutno. Imamo to, Pariz, mi pa prihajamo.

Voditeljica: Najlepša hvala za pogovor.

Bobinac: Hvala tudi vam.

Voditeljica: S tem smo zaključili naš podkast. Vabljeni, da nam prisluhnete tudi naslednjič. Nasvidenje. 


[ENGLISH VERSION] 

The GOVSI government podcast. 

Host Ms. Petra Bezjak Cirman: Good afternoon, dear listeners and viewers, welcome to the ninth episode of the GOVSI government podcast, produced by the Communication Office. You can follow the podcasts wherever you listen to them, as we will be publishing them on all channels. This one is dedicated to sport, which unites Slovenians the most. After the European Football Championship and the great euphoria that has engulfed Slovenia, the start of the Olympic Games in Paris is upon us, so we have invited the President of the Slovenian Olympic Committee and of the Association of Sports Federations, Franjo Bobinac. Hello. 

Guest Mr. Franjo Bobinac: Hello. 

Host: The Olympics are returning to the French capital after 100 years. Slovenia is celebrating the centenary of the first Olympic gold medal won in Paris by the Slovenian athlete of the century, the legendary Leon Štukelj. Paris is therefore a lucky city for Slovenia. 

Guest: Yes, it's interesting symbolism, it's true. This year Paris will become the third city in the world to host the Olympics three times, and it is interesting that exactly 100 years ago Leon Štukelj won a gold medal in Paris, and now we are at the Olympics again. After 12 years the Olympics are back in Europe, in Paris. 

Host: You confided in me that you are quietly hoping for top sporting achievements from our Olympians, and of course, Slovenian fans are also expecting them. The official motto of the Olympics is ... If I say something wrong, correct me, because I know that you are excellent in French, although this is Latin. Citius, Altius, Fortius. Meaning faster, higher, stronger. How high will Slovenians go? 

Guest: I would say that we've already reached a high level in that we have a strong, well-prepared Olympic team. It will also be the largest ever, we reckon 90 athletes, which is even more than in Athens in 2004, when there were 79 athletes. So in a way a record has been achieved, and the ratio of Slovenian male and female athletes is almost equivalent, 50 : 50. 

Host: How important is that? The women's handball team has qualified for the first time. What does this gender equality at the Olympics mean for Slovenia? 

Guest: The organisers are stressing the importance of this year's Paris Olympics being the most sustainable, the most urban Olympics. They will be closer to the people, because they will take place mostly in the very centre of the city. They will also be the most inclusive. The balance between female and male athletes is completely equal for the first time in history. I'm glad that Slovenia also has a balance like that. It's true, for the first time in the history of our team sport, the Slovenian women's handball team has qualified for the Olympics. That's a big thing, and we're very proud of that. 

Host: What about the men's handball team? Is it our most numerous team? 

Guest: It's interesting that the men's handball team has been to the Olympics quite a few times. The women's team for the first time. If we count both the male and female handball players, it will be the strongest part of this Olympic team in terms of numbers. But the volleyball players have impressed us by qualifying for the Olympics for the first time as well. We have outstanding individuals who will be competing in more than 15 disciplines and representing Slovenia, and I'm sure they will do their best. I don't like to predict medals. They can happen, I know they will happen. It is difficult to say how many, but I know that the athletes will give their all and we will be completely united in cheering for them, all of our hearts will beat as one and with our national anthem in mind. 

Host: You have beaten me to it. I am also pinning my hopes on the volleyball players and on a medal at this championship. 

Guest: The way they are set up as a team, the way they get along, they are well managed, the hierarchy is perfectly set up, it seems to me that they are really knocking on the door of those candidates for the top places. They are extremely keen, they want to do well at the Olympics. I believe they can succeed. 

Host: These are not the only two sports in which we can reach for medals. We are now recognised for cycling, we have an outstanding climber, we have always been successful in martial arts. What is the representation in these disciplines? 

Guest: And of course, athletics, and our kayakers and so on, not to mention everything else. Even formula kite, as a new Olympic sport, has a strong medal contender. But I don't think it's right to name just a few, because I'm sure we'll forget some of them. But yes, we absolutely have a lot of good sportsmen and women, and some of them can really hope for medals, and I believe they will win them. 

Host: They will be helped by the Slovenian fans at home and of course, in Paris. How many are you expecting? 

Guest: It's hard to say, but we have the Slovenia House, we'll probably talk a little bit about that later, set up in the centre of the fan zone in Paris. Hundreds of thousands of people will pass by our building every day. I believe this will include a few thousand Slovenians. If we were to add it all up, I believe that a few tens of thousands of them will certainly come to Paris. Paris is not that far, it's 1300 km or so from Slovenia, it's reachable by car. As I said, after 12 years, the Olympics are back in Europe, they will not be in Europe again for at least 12 years. They'll be in Los Angeles, Brisbane, and then the next cycle. I think Slovenian fans will really take advantage of this and will come to cheer for us, to socialise and enjoy the Olympic spirit. 

Host: Let's talk about the Slovenia House. It will be a meeting point where they can come to have a good time, to talk to the athletes. The fans, if I understand correctly. It will be located in Paris' La Villette Park, close to the Olympic Village and the Stade de France stadium. Right? 

Guest: Yes, that's right. I can say I am very happy we have taken on this project of the Slovenia House with determination and, above all, at the right time. A year and a half ago, when I first visited our operational office at the Olympic Committee in Paris with my team, we looked at possible locations and, having spent a few years there, I knew the one in La Villette Park was the right one and we should claim it as our own for the duration of the Olympics. We signed that pre-contract quite quickly and we started the project very, very seriously. I'm happy that we had the opportunity to present this project last June at a meeting of the Government, and even before that, of course, to the line ministry. We got a lot of support. I would like to take this opportunity to really thank the Government and the various ministries, including the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, for all the support, because without that this programme would not be so varied and we would not have done what we are going to do, which is to make this a real home where we will celebrate sport and sporting achievements, socialise and represent Slovenia in the broadest sense of the word, including its culture, science, cuisine, last but not least, we will meet Slovenians from all over the world. It will be interesting and beautiful. 

Host: We're organising thematic round tables together. Perhaps you can tell us more about that. 

Guest: The programme will be really varied. As I said, the partners are the Government, the Ministry, the Communication Office, the Slovenian Tourist Board, SPIRIT. SPIRIT, for example, has attracted quite a few employers' organisations, it's organising events with them, so there will be a lot of business people from Slovenia who will be meeting and networking with business people from abroad, because Paris will not only be the centre of sport this summer, but also the centre of business and diplomacy. On the other hand, we're also expecting a lot of guests from the International Olympic Committee, the European Olympic Committees, top former athletes and officials at the Slovenia House. This political note will be very important, I think there is room for diplomacy, and our top politicians will make good use of it. We have, of course, arranged a visit by Madam President who will also address us at one of the women's empowerment events, the Prime Minister has also confirmed his visit and will be one of the key speakers at the conference, where we will raise the topic of sustainability and the green breakthrough. We'll have an interesting round table on athletes and second careers where we're expecting some legendary names from the world of sport, both from Slovenia and abroad. It will really be nice and interesting. 

Host: So, athletes are also ambassadors of Slovenia? 

Guest: Absolutely. I've been saying this whole time that, in fact, if anyone, it is really sport and sportsmen and women who are the main ambassadors of Slovenia in terms of visibility and reputation. On the other hand, sport really unites us the most. When we cheer for our teams, for our athletes, there is no time to think left or right, we simply think only in terms of common success. It also seems important to me that it's the athletes who are the greatest inspiration for young people. With the values they represent. These are also the Olympic values of cooperation, respect, friendship. They are truly an inspiration not only for young people, but for all of us. 

Host: You are also calling on the fans to cheer for our athletes in this spirit. 

Guest: Of course, I would first of all wish the fans a safe journey, let them come, rejoice, enjoy, feel this Olympic spirit, cheer for our athletes from the bottom of their hearts, but we need to be fair, we need to respect the opponents, we need to be respectful and cohesive at this level as well. I have no fears, Slovenian fans in general, with unfortunately some rare exceptions, are good fans and we are looking forward to seeing them in Paris. 

Host: I cannot avoid the hot topic of this summer, what colour the fans' jerseys should be. Certain colour scales are regulated, including green. We saw the football fans wear different colours, the football jerseys were chosen by the fans through a poll. What should the Slovenian fans look like, what do you think about this debate? Should we be orange like the Dutch, or green because that's our I Feel Slovenia brand, or maybe red like the Danes? 

Guest: First of all, years ago, the Olympic Committee, within the marketing council and otherwise, already set some rules for the national team jerseys and also for the fans. Regardless of the colours of our flag, as far as the jerseys and the fans are concerned, things have gone in the direction of green, blue and white, this is how our Olympic collection has been designed for many years, including the current one. Whatever the different directions in an individual national sports federation ... They are different because the manufacturers of the jerseys for the individual sports are different, they have different colours, and it is sometimes difficult to harmonise these things. Fans will not make any mistake if they look for the jerseys in some combination of green, white and blue. 

Host: Excellent. You have already mentioned a special collection for these Olympic Games, designed by Sandi Murovec. Maybe you could tell us a bit more. Does it have the colours you mentioned? 

Guest: Yes, absolutely. The collection for this year's Olympics is actually not revolutionarily different from the previous one, and some of the older ones. That was our intention, because many of the fans keep their jerseys, scarves, T-shirts and tracksuits from the previous Olympics, so in a way we just wanted to build on that. I think we have done well from the point of view of our outfitter, which remains the Peak corporation. For the next eight years, we have really nice jerseys for our national team players and also for the fans. 

Host: Another fan theme. The "Who doesn't jump isn't Slovenian" slogan. We adopted it, but a foreign corporation has registered it as theirs. You've reacted quite strongly. 

Guest: Why? Well said, a foreign corporation, let's not give them free publicity. I just don't think that's how things should be done. First of all, registering a generic term is a problem in itself, but to use it even though you're not investing in Slovenian sport is at the very least not the correct thing to do. That's why we've reacted quickly and firmly and demanded that it be annulled. The matter is pending. We have not seen much of this lately, so perhaps this corporation will come to its senses and just stop using it. 

Host: Okay. Let's return to Paris. There will be many activities at the Slovenia House. One of them is connected with the Slovenian torch, which will end its 7118 km journey there. The torch will be carried by 9330 bearers. What is the message of this torch, what is the significance of it ending its journey in Paris? 

Guest: This is a really wonderful, extraordinary project, which the Olympic Committee of Slovenia, the Association of Sports Federations started some time ago. This leadership is absolutely continuing it in this mandate, because it is very, very good, because it connects people, fans, athletes and simply citizens all over Slovenia. We started it two months ago in Lendava, we are finishing these days in Mojstrana, but above all we are spreading the values of Olympism, we're living in the Olympic spirit. Even though Paris is close, not everybody is going to come to the Olympics, but to experience the Olympic spirit, the Slovenian torch in their own town, in their own village ... We're involving children, young people, older people, former legendary athletes, Para athletes, so from that point of view, I think it is a nice project. If I add to that the Olympic festival ... In different parts of Slovenia during the Olympic Games, there will be common fan zones where we will be cheering for Slovenia together. The Olympic festival and the Slovenian torch are the two projects the Olympic Committee is really very proud of. Together with the Olympics, they form the Olympic package. 

Host: I now have to ask the question I wanted to save for the end. For millennia, the Olympic Games have been a time of peace. The war in Ukraine began after the winter Olympic Games in China. What is the message of the Olympic Games? What do you expect? Will there be peace in Europe, seeing as this war is practically on our doorstep. 

Guest: A very serious, but fitting question. If you ask me personally, what I wish for most with these Olympic Games, I will be candid. Of course we want medals and good performances, but as a human, each citizen of this world must want peace. We truly wish that these wars and conflicts would stop. Not only during the Olympics or at least for the duration of the Olympics, as they did in the past. I am not certain that this will happen, but let us try to find the Olympic spirit and the values of cooperation, friendship, respect and fair play. Let those reign. As we said earlier, sports unite the people in Slovenia, let them unite the people of the world as well and let sports, with peace in mind, inspire us as individuals to start treating this world more responsibly, as it is currently heading in the completely wrong direction. Let sports unite it. The world needs more sports, perhaps more than anything else, because these values are winning for peace as well. 

Host: Security at the Olympics is also an important topic. How is it organised? France is among those European countries that are very clear about whose side they are on, Russia and Ukraine in this case. Its stance is very clear, making it, for instance, a target of numerous Russian misinformation campaigns. How will security be taken care of? 

Guest: Before I address security, I would like to say that the International Olympic Committee has been very wise about including or not including various athletes from around the world. It is non-discriminatory, but, of course, at the Paris Olympic Games there will be no symbols, flags, coats of arms or hymns of any aggressor countries, meaning mainly Russia and Belarus. But we can maybe expect some dissent. There is a risk, that is why I think that we need to trust that the French organisers will make sure that everything runs smoothly. I believe that they will. I know they are aware of this, they are preparing an exceptional opening ceremony on the Seine and I am sure that it will be fantastic, but if need be, I am sure that they have other scenarios to ensure security at this event above all. 

Host: A big crowd is expected in Paris. Do you have any advice for the people going there? I am guessing you know France very well, you speak fluent French. 

Guest: It will probably be crowded, but, as I have spent a lot of time in Paris, I found that the Parisians usually leave Paris in the summer and go elsewhere. I think Parisians will be fewest in number in Paris this year. It will be crowded with fans from around the world, but that is also the beauty of the Olympic Games. I think public transport will function well, you just need to consider the distances and go on time. 

Host: Let us peer decades into the future. Lately, Slovenia has been successful in every sport. What do you attribute this to? There is no sport in which we didn't have a victorious force at some point. 

Guest: Yes, we have found that we are usually among the top three or five most successful countries in terms of medals per capita. It will be interesting to calculate the 90 athletes per capita. I think we are at the very top of the world in those terms. We are very successful and we compete in a very large number of disciplines. Many around the world sometimes ask us how this is possible. I usually say that I think we have some sort of very interesting sports model or business model. But perhaps the first point of interest is that doing sports starts being encouraged in the family, at home. Parents transfer the beauty of a sport and the proclivity for a sport to their children and enrol them in clubs and associations at the local level. There is no top-level sport without the sport at a local level. Of course, we have a strong Olympic team, but if we didn't have great national sport federations, trainers and coaching staff in clubs and associations at the local level, we wouldn't have one. The Dončićs, Urnauts, Pogačars, Janjas, and others have always started somewhere, at the local level. Without local-level sports there is no top-level sports. We have family support, volunteers and sports at the local level, we have excellent coaches and a supportive educational system. Last but not least, we have sponsors and partners. The government of Slovenia, led by Dr. Robert Golob, the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport, led by Matjaž Han, his entire team with Dejan Židan and others at the helm, they all greatly support sports. In two years, we have nearly doubled funding, from public sources as well, and we should continue to do so. If we are successful in ensuring long-term funding, I believe that the success of Slovenian sports and athletes will continue for decades to come. 

Host: We have probably also invested much into infrastructure. Sports facilities are truly top-notch so that children can get the best physical education. Do you find this investment important as well? 

Guest: Absolutely, that is a rhetorical question. Infrastructure is very necessary. Part of it is in good condition, part of it needs renovation and some things need to be built anew. I think that this project of future investments in infrastructure is correctly set up for the medium- and long-term. I am glad that the Olympic Committee of Slovenia is an important partner of the line ministry in developing the infrastructure, especially when it comes to considering where to build the national Olympic centres in Slovenia, set priorities and make decisions. 

Host: What should be built anew first? Which projects are urgent? 

Guest: I would rather not list them individually as that may be a topic for another podcast, but I think that we should view this comprehensively. Namely, the aforementioned Slovenian sports model does not mean some big specialisation. Some countries have approached this sports development project from the perspective of specialisation. The Slovenian model is broad, to give space to different disciplines and equip them, including the infrastructure. Within this, we need to consider which projects to carry out this year, next year and so on, what to rebuild and what to build anew. 

Host: Sustainability will also be a topic at the Slovenia House. What does the future hold for winter sports? Where will we train for winter sports, what with global warming and ever milder winters? 

Guest: The challenges are great and I am certain that the International Ski Federation is thinking about this as well. This may also be a topic for another conversation, but for now, even though the Paris Olympics are here, the Olympic Committee of Slovenia is already thinking ahead to Milano Cortina, the 2026 winter Olympic Games, where the Slovenian team will be well represented. When the International Olympic Committee considers the next locations and where to host the next Olympic Games, it is also important to consider sustainability in the sense that it is not necessary to build new sports facilities, but to, if possible, use existing ones. That is also a sustainable approach to sports. 

Host: You said earlier that we will raise new Dončićs and Urnauts. My question is, will we raise a new Tina Maze? 

Guest: Certainly, skiing is our national sport and I am certain it will stay that way. 

Host: I meant in terms of global warming and the fact that, in places, there is hardly any snow where they could train. 

Guest: Perhaps we will build facilities where we will be able to have fun, hang out and train as well. But I think we have a few national sports in addition to skiing. In terms of popularity, I would place cycling at the top. We not only have incredible champions, it is truly becoming a sport that Slovenians love to do, which, of course, is inspired by our athletes. 

Host: How come cycling is at the top in Slovenia? Due to upbringing? Or did we invest more into cycling? 

Guest: Maybe a combination of both, but I would add to this the truly outstanding achievements of Primož Roglič, Tadej Pogačar and all those who follow them. That is additional inspiration, but cycling is an incredibly sustainable sport in environmental terms. But sustainability is not just about the environment, there is also a socio-economic component and I think this also means a lot to Slovenians, because not only is it a sport that we can do as a family, we also have truly outstanding champions. 

Host: "A healthy mind in a healthy body" holds true for cycling in all seasons. Yes. We can see when driving in Slovenia that they are not deterred by snow, wind or rain. 

Guest: There has been a significant increase in the number of cyclists, as well as bicycle paths, co-funded by European funds. There is room to improve the cycling infrastructure, but I am sure we will make strides toward this in the coming years. 

Host: We are nearing the end. I have a surprise for you, which, I am sure, you will find easy. As I said, you are fluent in French. You also used to sing. Would you tell us about that? 

Guest: That was in my "first life," so it was very long ago. I do still sing and play the guitar sometimes, but in smaller settings, at home, among friends, at birthdays ... But yes, I love French. I lived there for five years and finished part of my schooling, but that is not important. I love it and I find it symbolic that the first Olympic Games I will go to as President of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia are being held where else but Paris. 

Host: Regarding that, is Slovenia close to getting a seat on the International Olympic Committee? Throughout this conversation we saw your life-long managerial skills. Will you succeed here as well? 

Guest: It is important to follow a path. Everything is a process. If I'm honest, and considering my age, I find it very important to pave the way with my team for our successors to see this happen some day, and I am certain that it will. But I am happy to say that a small piece of the puzzle was completed a few months ago when President Thomas Bach invited me to join the Revenues and Commercial Partnerships Commission of the IOC. I think these are also important steps in the right direction. I also have to say that the work of other sports officials in various sport federations is also very important, such as the incredible Aleksander Čeferin, Enzo Smrekar at the International Ski Federation and Metod Ropret, both of whom are my vice-presidents, and many more. Anyone who works in such international sport organisations and helps international sports at the top level is paving the way for Slovenia to one day get a seat at the IOC. We also cannot forget that the legendary and first president of the Olympic Committee of Slovenia Dr. Janez Kocijančič left an immense mark on world Olympism, especially as president of the European Olympic Committees. After all, one of its awards, which was given this year for the first time, is named after him. So we are following this path, Kocjančič's path. I think we are polishing the reputation of Slovenian sports at the diplomatic level. Perhaps not much has been done toward this goal in recent years, but that is also one of the key tasks of this administration. 

Host: I will keep my fingers crossed for you and us at the Olympics. To end, I assume you will easily read this, which our Olympians had to read before going to Paris. 

Guest: I completely agree. Venez nous soutenir à Paris. 

Host: To translate: "Come support us in Paris." 

Guest: Absolutely. We've got this. Paris, we're coming. Thank you very much. 

Host: Thank you. That concludes our podcast, join us next time. Goodbye.