Goran Dragić Foundation renovates children's playground at Ljubljana hospital

A newly renovated children's playground at the UKC Ljubljana Pediatric Clinic, supported by the Goran Dragić Foundation, officially opened its doors. This initiative marks the tenth playground established through the #PODAMDAIGRAM campaign and is the first to be situated within a hospital environment.

The playground features a basketball hoop, swing, a climbing house with a slide, and a dedicated ladder. It is designed for preschool and school-aged children undergoing treatment at the clinic. The opening ceremony was attended by former basketball player Goran Dragić, along with Helena Ulčar Šumčić, the business director, and doc. dr. Marko Pokorn, the professional director of the Pediatric Clinic.

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Every time I step onto the court, I am closer to realizing my dreams.

Children from the Pike group of Vrtec Vodmat, which has a unit at the clinic, provided a musical performance. Following the ceremony, children engaged in a friendly basketball shooting contest with Dragić, who also donated signed basketballs to the clinic. A plaque on the playground reads, "Every time I step onto the court, I am closer to realizing my dreams."

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We want to provide moments of joy, movement, and carefree activity for children undergoing treatment at the Pediatric Clinic, and thus make their treatment time more enjoyable.

According to the Pediatric Clinic and the Goran Dragić Foundation, the project encourages physical activity, social interaction, fair play, perseverance, and respect for diversity. Dragić expressed his happiness at opening the first hospital playground for the campaign, aiming to bring joy and a sense of normalcy to children during their treatment. Clinic directors highlighted the playground as a significant addition that promotes play, sportsmanship, and outdoor activity, making the hospital environment more pleasant and supportive.

The total renovation cost was 35,000 euros, with the Goran Dragić Foundation contributing 20,000 euros. The company Taurus IQ handled the construction and provided the play equipment. Organizers have invited further donations to cover the remaining costs through the Foundation for the New Pediatric Clinic.

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The playground is now larger, more functional, and colorful. It will offer children and adolescents even more opportunities for relaxed play and movement within the hospital kindergarten and school.