The All-Star Game and the HNK Ceremony concluded the 30th season of the Plasma Youth Sports Games.

The 30th season of Plasma Sports Games for youth concluded with an all-star match and celebration at the Croatian National Theatre in Split. The event marked three decades of continuous operation of the initiative, which has engaged over 3.86 million children and young people since its inception. The ceremony took place in the heart of Split, a city known for its deep-rooted sporting culture, and was attended by numerous dignitaries and notable figures. The ceremony began with emotional speeches highlighting the journey of the Plasma Sports Games. Ivo Bilić, deputy mayor of Split, expressed pride in the city’s role as a hub for youth sports, emphasizing the support the municipality will continue to provide. He noted that the games have grown significantly, rooted in the city itself, and that Split remains committed to supporting this project into the future. Also present were high-ranking officials, including Vice President of the Government, Minister of Internal Affairs, and representative of the President of the Republic of Croatia, Andreja Plenković. Speaking at the event, he reflected on the origins of the idea, noting that it began just a few kilometers away, on the Split hills, with little attention, no millions of participants, and no international partners. What it had was a simple vision: to create a space for children, sport, and one person who believed that something great could emerge from it. Over the past three decades, the games have traversed thousands of kilometers, held countless meetings, and endured years of belief, persistence, and hard work. This moment of celebration is not merely a tribute to thirty years of the Plasma Sports Games, but also a recognition of the individual who conceived, carried, and built this movement. Today, it is easy to love the Plasma Sports Games. But many more challenges were faced before they became what they are today. In an era where much of what we see is fabricated or misleading, the story of the Plasma Sports Games stands as a genuine, untouched narrative born from love for sport and children. It grew through dedication, trust, and perseverance. As a result, both Split and Croatia have flourished. The games now connect children from different countries, regions, and backgrounds, including those from Ukraine, who are growing up amid war. Here, for several days, these children will simply be children, free from conflict, free to play, and free to grow. Through sport, children learn early on lessons that many adults forget: opponents are not enemies. One can desire victory while respecting others, lose without hatred, and win without humiliation. This story demonstrates how much can be achieved when there is a clear vision, when people unite around a noble idea, and when enough time and effort are invested. Numerous individuals have contributed to the success of the Plasma Sports Games over the years, including Aleksander Čeferin, Predrag Mijatović, Johannes Hahn, Zoran Bogdanović, Davor Božinović, Ivica Kojić, Slaven Bilić, Lana Popović, Jelena Drakulić, Darijo Srna, Mario Stanić, Alastair Campbell, Tomislav Mamić, Vladimir Lučić, Alen Bokšić, Mehmed Baždarević, Dijana Pleština, Josip Komar, Vedran Duvnjak, Zoran Janković, Dragan Stajković, Željko Tufekčić, Lidija Samardžija, Dario Kožul, Ivan Bočina, Nemanja Vidić, Luka Modrić, Nemanja Matić, Vladimir Vranković, and Goran Lulić. These individuals, through their work, support, and faith, have added their part to the story of the Plasma Sports Games. Special awards were presented to them by the SIM representatives. The Plasma Sports Games have never been the result of a single decision or the efforts of one person. Instead, they are the product of a dedicated team of approximately 50 employees. However, even the organizers were surprised by the number of people required to make the games possible each year. This year alone, nearly 11,000 people participated in organizing the event. Reflecting on the beginning of the journey, the organizers acknowledged that there were far more reasons to give up than to continue. Yet, despite this, they remained steadfast, driven by passion and purpose. For six consecutive years, the Plasma Sports Games have been the largest amateur sports event in Europe in terms of participant numbers. This achievement would not have been possible without the children, whose presence and participation have been essential to the continued growth and success of the games.