FIS World Snow Day 2019

23th School Marathon of Pokljuka (SMP) and Cross country skiing cup for primary schools (NSC)

On Saturday, the 19th of January 2019, there was 23th SMP at Rudno polje of Pokljuka. The event was uncompetitive in its nature. The participants were children of primary and secondary schools from all over Slovenia. Simultaneously there was a NSC. The event was this year a part of FIS World Snow Day 2019, which is held by International Ski Federation (FIS). After 3rd place in FIS SnowKidz Award 2012 and participation in 3rd FIS World Snow Day 2014 this is again a confirmation of international importance and quality of SMP and NSC.

The opening of the event was quite ceremonial with eminent guests. The participants were greeted by Mrs. Mojca Brejc, the principal of Primary school in Gorje and the vicemayor of the county Gorje, Mrs. Danijela Mandeljc. Mr. Darko Repensek member of Slovenian Ministry of Education, Science and Sport, opened the event. The participants were also greeted by four great Slovenian athletes: Andreja Leški (judo), Anka Pogačnik (judo), Tina Šutej (atletics (pole vault) and Mr. Jošt Zakrajšek (canoe kayak flatwater).

In cloudy weather, with 50 cm new snow fall the day before the event, we managed to carry out some of the activities planned, cross skiing runs of 2, 5 and 10 km and activities on snowshoes. Mountain hikes to Mounts of Zajamniki, Uskovnica and Javornik were cancelled and transformed to one hike to Mount Praprotnica. Hike with cross country skiis to the Mount of Javornik, alpine skiing and snowboarding on the ski resort of Visevnik were cancelled. Slopes can not be prepared, because of late new snow fall. For cross country skiers there were entertaining events, presentations of biathlon, Slovenian army and Police and sport animations on the snow. Thanks again to the Sport Institute of Slovenia that donated practical gifts for participants. Everybody received a cup of warm tea, prepared by Slovenian army and a cup cake donated by the company Zito Gorenjka Lesce, which also contributed a lovely mascot, a girl named “Gorenjka”. In the end of the event trophies were given and the drawing for a giant chocolate took place. The event SMP totally achieved its purpose. Many competitors were trying to gain state titles in cross country skiing. There were 1291 participants and competitors registered enjoying winter beauty of Pokljuka.

Primary and secondary schools with most participants received trophies. Primary schools - 1st place: dr. Vita Kraigherja Ljubljana, 145 participants; 2nd place: Gorje, 91 participants; 3rd place: Dolenjske Toplice 81 participants. Secondary schools - 1st place: Gymnasium Kranj, 17 participants; 2nd place: Walfdorfs SS Ljubljana, 10 participants; 3rd place: Gymnasium Brežice, 5 participants.

Main award for school teams, a giant chocolate weighing 7 kilograms, donated by Zito Gorenjka Lesce, was given to primary school Janka Modra Dol pri Ljubljani.

We are very pleased by the fact that there was such a large number of participants and that our rescue unit did not have any work to do. Great thanks to all the people who helped in any way at this event.

You can take a look at the reports, TV articles, photos and video-recordings from the event on the web page of Primary School Gorje: http://www.osgorje.si/16205-2/

Wonderful greetings from Pokljuka and a kind invitation to the next year`s the 24th SMP and NSC, which will be held in January, 2020 in Rudno polje, Pokljuka.

Leader of event:
Nenad Pilipovic

Translation in English: Brigita Skufca and Tadeja Hudovernik
Foto: School photo and video club (Laura Novak) under the supervision of teacher Marija Rihtersic
Video: School photo and video club (Andreja Hudovernik) under the supervision of teacher Marija Rihtersic
Video and foto editing: Nenad Pilipovic- Free entry tickets
- Free food and drink
- Free gifts and prizes
Beautiful Pokljuka1291 participantsNSCSPM 2 kmLink to event video: www.osgorje.si/16205-2/