On July 4 and 5, Ljubljana hosted the third edition of Volleyball on Water, a one-of-a-kind international tournament played on a floating, illuminated court in the heart of the Ljubljanica River.
This year’s central theme is the “Magic of the Ljubljanica,” and the event promised intense volleyball matches featuring athletes from 14 countries, gourmet bites by Michelin-starred chef Luka Košir, and spectacular performances on water, in the air, and on land. It remains the only volleyball-on-water tournament in the world held in cooperation with a national volleyball federation, and is supported by the Slovenian Tourist Board (STB).
Spectators were able to follow the exciting elimination tournament from the riverbank at Novi trg, which hosted vibrant fan zone with live music, dance, acrobatics and culinary delights. Among the competitors were last year’s champions – cousins Tajda and Nina Lovšin in the women’s competition, and Czech champion Martin Melmuka teaming up with Slovenia’s Alan Košenina in the men’s. A total of 32 players from Europe, South America and Oceania will take part.
Slovenia’s volleyball star Rok Možič praised the project as a fun and engaging promotion of volleyball. Although he hasn’t yet played in the event due to national team obligations, he expressed excitement to one day try the floating court: “The movement is slower but more demanding due to the water, and the atmosphere is something special. It’s a beautiful event that brings people together every summer in the heart of Ljubljana.”
Besides top-tier sport, the accompanying programme is richer than ever. Michelin-starred restaurant Grič served signature dishes, including trout sashimi by chef Luka Košir. A sweet surprise came from a partnership with the Slovenian ice cream company Incom Leone.
Entertainment included a dance performance about the mythical “Water Man” by Miha Krušič’s Pro Dance Studio, acro yoga and aerial artists from Slovenia’s Got Talent (Acro Connection), and renowned illusionist Magic Alexander, who has appeared on BBC1, Discovery, and Travel Channel. Live music was provided by the Classy Band with a programme titled The Sound of the Ljubljanica.
The Slovenian Tourist Board, as the key institution driving responsible tourism development, recognises and actively supports the importance of international sporting events of this kind. Such events not only reinforce Slovenia’s position as a premier and sustainable destination for active getaways and professional sports preparation but also significantly boost the global visibility and prestige of the I Feel Slovenia brand.
Find out more about the event here.
