Last Saturday, the Poseka ski resort in Ravne na Koroškem hosted more than 300 employees of the SIJ Group. It was the third time that the gathering of steelworkers – SIJ Winter Games happened. More than 50 employees, accompanied with passionate cheering and support of their colleagues, took part in the giant slalom on the sunlit and excellently prepared ski slope.
On the first day of February, colleagues, students and scholarship holders of the SIJ Group - Slovenian Steel Industry - socialized, had fun and some also tried to conquer the white slopes of the Poseka ski resort in Koroška. More than 50 employees tested their mind of steel in six different categories in the giant slalom race. In the finish arena, they were cheered by a crowd of fans along with the DJ. Especially encouraged by the crowd were those who 'accidentally' missed the gates, the finish line, or landed on the behind in their fighting spirit. But each and every skier had a chance to improve the result - in the end, the best time achieved of the two runs was taken into account. In between the two runs, the dancers from the Ladies dance group, currently European cheerleading champions, steamed up the atmosphere in the finish arena.
Vilijem Pečnik, director of SIJ Ravne Systems, addressed all present at the beginning of the giant slalom, as well as later in the official address and announcement of the results, which was followed by a feast and a party. He emphasized the importance of socializing and strengthening ties between colleagues at such events: “In this way, we get to know each other more easily, which enables us to work together efficiently and with ease. At the same time, through sport – as for example a giant slalom race today - we are spreading the message that achievements in various fields require a mind of steel. And who else knows this better than we do!” Besides winter games, the biggest event where steelworkers hang out and socialize is SIJ Day, which will also take place in Ravne for the seventh consecutive year.
At the ceremony, which took place in the arena under Poseka after the race, the organizers awarded as many as 17 prizes: for best snowboarders, and best male and female skiers in two age categories. Special prizes were given for the best skiing style and for the strongest mind of steel for those who persistently stood up after a fall and continued skiing. The mind of steel is continuously in the spotlight on various occasions - for example, at this year's celebration of the 400th anniversary of the steelworks in the Mežica Valley, the Olympic torch made of steel will begin in the middle of May its journey across Slovenia to Tokyo.
We sincerely congratulate all employees who have won awards and wish to thank all the colleagues for their participation as well as support for skiers and snowboarders.
