Poreč Hosts 10th Sport Fest With High-Profile Speakers
Poreč is preparing to welcome prominent figures from Croatian and international sport for the 10th edition of Sport Fest, scheduled from October 15 to 17. The centerpiece of the anniversary event will be a major sports conference held on October 16 at the Žatika Small Hall, bringing together athletes, coaches, experts, and sports administrators for a full day of panel discussions and personal presentations.
Organizers have structured the program to focus on knowledge transfer, professional development, discipline, and mental preparation within elite athletics. Leading the speaker lineup are high-profile figures from football, basketball, and Olympic sports, offering a comprehensive look at the realities of competing and coaching at the highest levels. On the stage of Sport Fest arrive numerous well-known names who have behind them rich sports careers and experience at the largest world competitions.
Football Stars and Olympic Leaders Join Poreč Gathering
Former Croatian national team player and manager Slaven Bilić is set to serve as a keynote attraction at the Poreč gathering. Alongside Bilić, Dejan Lovren will share insights drawn from his extensive club and international career. Basketball is represented by Roko Leni Ukić, who brings the dual perspective of an elite player and a coach.
Croatian Olympic Committee President Dr. Josip Varvodić is scheduled to address current updates and developments within national Olympic governance. They will be joined by track and field athletes Paola Borović, Nina Vuković, and Marino Bloudek, who will discuss their pathways to elite results. Television presenters Željko Vela and Drago Ćosić will moderate the conference sessions.
Physical Preparation and Sports Psychology Take Center Stage
Beyond competitive accolades, the conference schedule explores the behind-the-scenes systems required for high performance. Pero Kuterovac, recognized as one of Croatia’s most decorated conditioning coaches, will deliver insights into systematic physical preparation and discipline.
The mental side of athletics receives dedicated focus through Ante Ivišić, a sports psychologist with the Luka Kaliterna Academy of HNK Hajduk, who will speak on psychological readiness and the development of young competitors. Additional personal accounts of athletic success will be presented by handball player Larissa Marković, mountain auto racer Matija Jurišić, and swimmers Nikola Miljenić, Luka Cvetko, and Ana Blažević.
JUMP Awards Recognize Infrastructure and National Federations
The conference will also feature the presentation of the JUMP Awards, recognizing significant contributions to sports development and promotion. The City of Zagreb is honored for its 77 million euro investment cycle in sports infrastructure. The Croatian Water Polo Federation receives recognition for organizing U16 World Championships and major international events, while the Croatian Football Association is awarded for promoting the country through the national team. Rounding out the laureates is the City of Sibenik, acknowledged for youth inclusion, sports development, and local tradition.
Additional program highlights include Damir Škarić discussing his book “Evolution of Sport – How Consciousness Plays,” which examines the relationship between mindset and athletic achievement. Danira Bilić, director of the newly opened Croatian Sports Museum, will present the institution’s mission to attendees.
Sport Fest Conference Runs October 16 at Žatika
The broader Sport Fest runs across three days from October 15 to 17, with the main conference taking place exclusively on October 16 at the Žatika venue. Attendees can secure admission through online registration platforms, while full schedule information is maintained on the official Sport Fest portal.
Visitors can secure their place at the conference still today on Core-event, as the tenth edition of the event brings together the sports community for networking and education.
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