Top Basketball Spectacle I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon

On 24 August 2024, Slovenian basketball star Goran Dragić, celebrated for his remarkable NBA career, bid farewell to the basketball court in style with the I Feel Slovenia – Night of the Dragon friendly game.

The world's basketball elite in Slovenia

Renowned for its green, boutique, and sustainable offers, Slovenia is a paradise for active adventure seekers. It is also celebrated as the home of top athletes and a top-tier organizer of the world's most renowned competitions. It comes as no surprise that Goran Dragić has chosen Slovenia, his homeland, to host his farewell game, the I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon.

This unique friendly match in Ljubljana's Stožice Arena was attended by a number of big names in basketball, and the event raised Slovenia's profile as a tourist destination, boosted national pride, promoted sport and healthy lifestyles, and generated concrete economic benefits, including increased tourist arrivals.

For more details, visit the official event page.

Playing for Slovenia has always held a special place in my heart. I am proud to be Slovenian and to have grown up in Ljubljana. It is a great honour for me to be an ambassador for the I Feel Slovenia brand, and I gladly accepted the proposal to name my farewell to professional basketball the I Feel Slovenia Night of the Dragon. My primary goal with this event is to support young athletes from socially disadvantaged backgrounds and to promote the beauty and spirit of my country and my city worldwide.

Goran Dragić about his homeland

A Slovenian "Dragon" with a Big Heart

At the end of 2023, after nearly 30 years on the court and a decade and a half in the world's premier basketball league, the NBA, Goran Dragić has decided to hang up his sneakers.

Born on May 6, 1986, Goran Dragić is considered one of the greatest Slovenian basketball players and athletes of all time. The Ljubljana native and father of two is an exceptional personality who strives to maintain a positive outlook every day. As a point guard, Dragić made Slovenian sporting history by becoming the first Slovenian to play in an NBA All-Star Game in 2018. He was also selected for the All-NBA Third Team in 2014 and led the Slovenian national team to the European Championship title in Istanbul in 2017 as captain, earning the title of the most valuable player.

Goran Dragić and his Ljubljana

What do Goran Dragić and Ljubljana have in common? A lot, actually. In addition to Ljubljana being Gogi's hometown, with which he maintains strong ties, their common denominator is also the dragon - Goran's nickname and symbol of the city of Ljubljana. The dynamic rhythm of city life, which is intertwined with the warmth of homeliness, could be equated with Goran Dragić's energy on the court and his warm heart when it comes to charity. Take a stroll around Ljubljana with Gogi and get to know what it is that ties the popular basketball player to his hometown.

Goran Dragić and his Ljubljana

Dragić's charity has no borders

The highly regarded Gogi is not only a world-class athlete, but also a man with a big heart, which he proves with his charity projects as part of the Goran Dragić Foundation and the basketball camp in Laško.

The Goran Dragić Foundation was established in 2020 so that all the projects that have been running under the patronage of the popular Gogi since 2014 could be formalised and regulated by law. It is primarily in charge of organising the Goran Dragić basketball camp and renovating and constructing outdoor basketball courts under the #Podamdaigram brand, while also trying to implement projects to help children and youth from socially disadvantaged environments.

When renovating and developing smart courts, the Foundation looks to make sure that the locations are as equally distributed throughout the regions as possible. Some renovation or construction projects have already been finalised, and some are to be carried out in the near future.

Completed courts

Ljubljana: Tivoli (2019)
Maribor: Tabor (2021)
Novo Mesto: School Centre (2022)
Laško: Marija Gradec (2022)
Murska Sobota: Murska Sobota I Primary School (2023)

In 2024, the plan is to renovate the court outside the Campus Arena in Ptuj. Two courts are planned for 2025 – one in Nova Gorica, and one in Ilirska Bistrica.

Meet the Sporting Heart of Dragić's Birthplace

Ljubljana, where Goran Dragić spent his childhood years, is the vibrant capital of Slovenia, thriving with green lungs. As you wander through the main city streets and squares, you'll find yourself just a short stroll away from the green and inviting recreational areas.

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Sport parks

Ljubljana has a number of sport parks, including the most recognisable one – Tivoli – in the very city centre.

Stožice

To see a good basketball game or some other sporting and entertainment event, visit the largest sports arena in Slovenia – Stožice.

Views within a foot's reach

There are quite a few peaks around Ljubljana, popular with its residents looking for views and relaxation in nature.

Slovenia is a country of world-class athletes

Goran Dragić comes from a country which is among the most successful countries in the world in terms of medals from major competitions per capita. Athletes are ambassadors of Slovenia of sorts, and Slovenia has proven to be an excellent organiser of major competitions many times. Sport is rooted deeply in the people, as a lot of Slovenians do sports. So, it is not surprising that Slovenians even dedicated a national holiday to sport.

Slovenia is a land of top sporting competitions

In Slovenia, excellence in sports isn't just about top athletes; it's also about Slovenia's commitment to hosting exceptional competitions and top sports events. Our track record of successful championships and international events has solidified Slovenia's reputation as a premier organizer of sporting spectacles.

Slovenia is a Land of Active Outdoor Experiences

Slovenia provides you with various opportunities to spend your free time actively. What Slovenians like the most is climbing a slope, cycling, or running. Meanwhile, its clear waters beckon you to enjoy water sports. Adrenaline junkies will also get a dose of what they need.

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Hiking and Mountaineering

Slovenia is an Alpine paradise. More than 10,000 kilometres of marked hiking trails and 352 mighty peaks over 2,000 metres await you. Some are only accessible to Alpine climbers and mountaineers accompanied by professional mountain guides.

Cycling and biking

Explore Slovenia by bike. Riding amid the hills and plains, mountain peaks and forests, along the coast and the karst landscape and along the rivers and lakes of Slovenia is a lushly verdant fairy tale. Different trails are suitable for on-road and off-road biking.

Skiing

Slovenia is a country of smaller ski resorts that are family-friendly and suitable for beginners, children and experienced skiers alike. Numerous ski schools and ski instructors, who speak different languages, will make sure that you really enjoy the snow.

Water activities

Treat yourself to a swim in some of the many thermal spas and swimming pools. In summer, take a dip in the sea, lakes or rivers. Slovenia is rich in natural water resources. Visit Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj or one of the many natural swimming areas located on the coast.

An explosion of adrenaline-filled fun

Are you up for spending a daring and exciting summer? Choose an adrenaline-filled adventure that is ideal for you and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

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Enjoy winter activities in Slovenia!

Would you like an active experience in a fairytale winter landscape? Many opportunities for frolicking on snow and ice await you in Slovenia.

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Embark on Your Outdoor Adventure: Endless Ideas Await!

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Slovenia, A Mosaic of Unforgettable Experiences

Slovenia may be small, but it boasts an impressive range of experiences and geographical diversity. Whether you search for thrilling outdoor adventures amidst pristine nature or prefer the vibrant pulse of city life, seek relaxation for your body or culinary delights to satisfy your palate, Slovenia promises to captivate your senses.

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Active holidays

Discover the world of active outdoor adventures in Slovenia.

Spas and health resorts

Rest, relax and enjoy the soothing power of thermal waters and wellness treatments.

Food and wine

Love is experienced through the stomach.

Arts and Culture

Slovenia boasts a rich cultural tradition.

Green story of Slovenia

Plan your holidays in green.

Slovenia Unique Experiences

Enter the world of original adventures.

Reasons for Slovenian sporting success at the international level

We present some reasons why Slovenia is successful in the field of sports.

Cities and destinations

Small towns for big adventures.

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