22nd Games of Friendship
Novo Mesto Institute is organising the 22nd Games of Friendship, an international multi-sport event for young people, taking place from 28 to 30 August 2026 at several sports venues across Novo Mesto. The three-day event will once again bring together around 300 young athletes, offering not only sporting competition but also opportunities to socialise, discover different cultures and build new friendships.
Competitions will be held in six sports: football, handball, volleyball, basketball, table tennis and chess. Alongside the sporting programme, the Games place a strong emphasis on international youth cooperation, having promoted friendship, mutual understanding and intercultural exchange for many years.
Event programme:
- Friday, 28 August, 8.00 pm – Opening Ceremony at Marof Sports Hall
- Saturday, 29 August, and Sunday, 30 August, from 9.30 am – Competitions at Marof Sports Hall, Leona Štukelj Sports Hall, Livada Sports Centre, Šmihel Primary School and Stopiče Primary School
- Sunday, 30 August, 2.00 pm – Closing Ceremony and Prize Presentation at the Janez Trdina Cultural Centre
The Games of Friendship are among the region’s most important international youth sporting events, promoting the values of sport, cooperation, respect and friendship.
