In Rijeka, the third phase of the 30th season of Plasma Sports Games for youth concluded with athletes from across Croatia competing for spots at the upcoming International Final in Split. The city hosted the National Final, which serves as a crucial step toward qualification for the larger international event. Over two and a half thousand participants took part in the games, engaging in a variety of sports including basketball, volleyball, handball, tennis, table tennis, and football. These competitions were held on sports fields throughout Rijeka and attracted more than 50,000 young athletes over the course of the season. The games, organized under the auspices of the Plasma Sports Games for Youth, continue their mission to promote sports values among children and adolescents through fair play and team spirit. The culmination of the season featured the Coca-Cola Cup, one of the largest amateur football tournaments in Europe. This tournament began in January and saw the participation of over 50,000 players across 155 matches by June. The best teams from the 2008 and 2011 age groups competed for the title of national champions. Among the standout performances was the team "Balki i prijatelji" from Karlovac, who won gold in the 2008 group, while "MNK Futsal Pula" emerged victorious in the 2011 category. In addition, the women's competition saw the success of the ŽNK Arena Pula team, highlighting the growing interest in female football within the organization’s efforts to promote gender equality in sports. Supporters and coaches played a key role in recognizing talent and encouraging young athletes. Notable figures such as Matjaž Kek, a football coach, and Dunja Štokan, an instructor from the Croatian Football Federation, presented medals and awards to promising players. The event also included the Tommy Tournament for under-12 football, where the team Zadarno claimed the title of national champion. A notable moment came from the SIM-ovac team, which, despite finishing second, emphasized the importance of fair play and camaraderie, expressing pride in their performance and new friendships made during the event. Other disciplines showcased their own highlights, with the Wiener Insurance Chess Tournament attracting attention for its young participants. Alan Katušić and Ema Poljak Ljubić secured victory in the under-11 category, while Petra Vidić and Tin Biti triumphed in the under-15 division. An interactive workshop titled "Mental Hygiene" aimed to educate young people about emotional well-being and the importance of seeking support when needed. Participants engaged in discussions and activities designed to foster open communication and healthy habits. In the realm of basketball, the 3x3 Sprite Cup highlighted the talents of the youngest athletes. The team from Pazin claimed the men's title in the 2013 and younger categories, while the team from Dugopolja excelled in the women's Six Seven category. The tennis finals were held at the Goran Ivanišević Stadium in Umag, where Lena Fonai and Pavo Zoričić were crowned champions in the 2012 and younger divisions. Volleyball on the beach saw victories for the teams "Tuljani" from Rijeka and "Mile" from Opatija. Throughout the event, various other sports were also represented, including handball, table tennis, and athletics, all contributing to the diverse experience offered by the Plasma Sports Games. The first and second phases of the season had already included track and field and athletics as part of the Telemach Sports Day, featuring teams like Dravići and Vatreni Topovi, who demonstrated exceptional speed and endurance. Athletes such as Tim Kotenko, Sara Žarak, Franka Sokač, and Juro Marković stood out for their remarkable performances. As the season draws to a close, the most successful teams and individuals will travel to Split for the International Final, scheduled from August 17 to 22. This event represents the pinnacle of the Plasma Sports Games, offering a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage. With over 138,000 participants from across Croatia, the 30th season has been marked by enthusiasm, dedication, and a commitment to fostering a love for sports among the youth.
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