It starts the Tribune Basketball Festival which has brought up some famous Croatian names

The Tribunjski festival of basketball has begun in Tribunj, marking the culmination of a summer-long initiative that has nurtured generations of Croatian basketball talent. This year’s event, part of the “3KA, Tribunjska ljetna košarkaška akademija,” brings together hundreds of children aged six to sixteen, offering them more than just opportunities to play basketball, it provides motivation, community, and a sense of belonging that draws many back to the town each summer. The program has deep roots, having been founded by Šime Kumanović, director of the basketball club Vučići in Zagreb. Since 1996, thousands of children have passed through its doors, with many going on to become adults and even professional players such as Lovre Gnjidić and Boris Tišme. The festival serves as both a celebration and a continuation of this legacy, with organizers aiming to create an unforgettable experience for participants and their families. This year's festival spans three days, beginning on Wednesday, August 12th, after two weeks of regular training sessions held in the afternoon. From Wednesday onward, the event transforms into a true basketball festival, featuring matches, challenges, and surprises tailored for children and parents alike. All activities are free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all who wish to participate. Wednesday’s schedule includes exhibition games and basketball challenges across all age categories, ranging from the youngest Supermini Stars to the elite Elite Stars. A special guest, Tonči Mašin, will lead training sessions, while Move Smart exercises focus on developing movement skills, physical fitness, and body awareness. In the afternoon, the highlight is the long-awaited match between children and parents, known as “Djeca vs. roditelji.” The evening concludes with a session of corrective gymnastics and the “All Star Tribunj Night,” a special game featuring teams formed from the academy’s stars, culminating in a grand finale. Thursday, August 13th, marks a nostalgic shift in the festival’s agenda. Dedicated to the history of basketball in Tribunj, the day features the “Retro tribunjska košarka” program, a talk show with former players of KK Gajeta, the first golden generation of the club from the 1980s. This day offers younger attendees a glimpse into how basketball was played before they were born, while older Tribunj residents recall the early days when the same court, passion, and magic began shaping the town’s basketball story. Friday, August 14th, wraps up the festival in grand style, with programming extended until 10 PM. The day includes the “Škver 3x3” tournament, open to all participants and graduates of the academy, as well as a competition in slam dunking called “Mini Slam Dunk.” Additionally, there is the “Basket 3bunj IQ,” a basketball quiz designed for children. The festival closes with a public quiz organized personally by Boris Gnjidić, a former Croatian national team player. Gnjidić, who spends his summers in nearby Srimi, decided to contribute to the Tribunj basketball narrative in a unique way, through questions, laughter, and a warm atmosphere rather than on the court. What started as a summer basketball academy for children from Tribunj has grown into an event drawing families from across Croatia. The festival confirms that this is much more than a basketball camp, it is a community that reunites every summer under the same phrase that echoes after the event ends: “I can hardly wait for the next Lito!”