In addition to supporting elite sports and local sports clubs, SIJ Group is committed to promoting sports and recreation for all. Since 2015, in partnership with the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations (OCS–ASF), we have been installing street workout parks in local communities across Slovenia to encourage active and healthy lifestyles. Until today, we have enhanced the Slovenian sports landscape with 22 quality street workout parks across 20 municipalities. This year, we marked the final days before the holiday season and the lighting of the New Year's lights with the opening of the 23rd street workout park in Dekani.
The residents of Koper and Dekani will undoubtedly remember this year for two significant milestones: Slovenia's two Olympic medals at the Summer Olympics in Paris and, more recently, the inauguration of the 23rd street workout polygon. The opening ceremony featured its ambassador, Olympian and sprint kayaker Špela Ponomarenko Janić, who in her rich sporting career has proudly represented Slovenia's colours four times at the biggest international competition. Joining the Olympian at the ceremony were Aleš Bržan, Mayor of the Municipality of Koper; mag. Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communications at SIJ Group; mag. Taja Škorc, Head of Sport for All and Sport at Local Level Department at OCS–ASF; and mag. Goran Sambt, Head of the Regional Office of OCS–ASF Koper.
The event was further enhanced by a beautifully choreographed and skillfully performed dance routine by 4th- and 5th-grade students from the Dekani Primary School dance club, under the guidance of Mojca Sever, the coordinator and assistant head teacher. As a token of appreciation, young athletes received sustainable Mind of Steel bracelets. In line with SIJ Group's sustainability activities, the bracelets are made from a piece of their recycled steel and discarded shoelaces that would otherwise turn into waste and will awaken the mind of steel in the young people when they wear it every day.
The Mayor of the Municipality of Koper, Aleš Bržan, emphasized that in recent years, the municipality has gained increasing recognition for its extensive sports infrastructure, which continues to be developed with significant investment. He also highlighted Koper’s recent success in sports, including the remarkable achievement of two Olympic medals at the Paris 2024 Games. “Koper has also become a city that is both sports-oriented and recreationally active, where physical activity is a part of our daily lives,” Bržan remarked, expressing confidence that the new sports facility will be well-utilized by the community. Following the Mayor's address, mag. Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communications at SIJ Group, delivered a speech in which she shared the mission and vision behind the creation of the street workout parks network.
"SIJ Group has embraced the principles of the circular economy for nearly four decades. We produce steel exclusively from steel scrap, underscoring our deep commitment to sustainability. This dedication is firmly embedded in our sustainability strategy, which also extends to our partnerships in sports. Through the creation of street workout parks—designed and manufactured by us in collaboration with OCS–ASF—we aim to raise awareness of steel’s indispensable role in all aspects of life, including sports and sports infrastructure. In both sports and business, having a 'mind of steel' is crucial for achieving top results, and this has always been a core value of SIJ Group. By establishing these workout parks, we strive to inspire a 'mind of steel' in individuals and enhance the quality of life within local communities."
On behalf of the Slovenian umbrella sports organization and a partner in the street workout parks project, mag. Taja Škorc, Head of Sport for All and Sport at Local Level Department at OCS–ASF, welcomed the participants of the opening ceremony and the performers in the accompanying program.
"Thank you to the Mayor, SIJ Group, and the Koper Sports Federation for bringing us together today in this delightful setting. At the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations, we are committed to making sports accessible to everyone. The street workout park is undoubtedly a step toward this goal. We hope that sports, especially for younger generations, will act as a counterbalance to the many distractions of modern life. I wish for this facility to fulfill its purpose for many years to come and for you to spend as much time as possible enjoying this wonderful environment," Škorc said, expressing her satisfaction with the new addition to the community’s sports infrastructure.
"The OCS–ASF Regional Office, along with everyone involved in the sports community, wholeheartedly welcomes this new addition and initiative. I especially want to encourage all the young people in the audience to showcase the many ways we can use the workout park. Our ambassador, Špela Ponomarenko Janić, who has extensive experience with this type of training, will of course be here to assist and inspire us," said mag. Goran Sambt, Head of the Regional Office of OCS–ASF Koper, introducing the final speaker of the opening ceremony.
"Workout parks, like this one, are a vital part of local sports infrastructure. They are open to everyone, allowing individuals to tailor their workouts to their physical abilities. Best of all, they are completely free to use. As a young girl, I loved spending time outdoors—my favorite activity was climbing trees. I’ve noticed that in recent years, children don’t spend as much time outside as we did. I believe this workout park is a fantastic step in the right direction, encouraging children to be more active, build strength, and improve their health. For me, the play and movement I enjoyed as a child—activities we didn’t even realize were exercise—helped lay the foundation for the top results I achieved in my sporting career," said Špela Ponomarenko Janić, athlete, Olympian, and mother.
Following the speeches, the ceremony continued with the symbolic ribbon-cutting, officially dedicating the workout park to sports enthusiasts of all generations.
