Where world stars gathered in Split during the finals of an important event: UEFA chief and Prime Minister Plenković also arrived
Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The AC Hotel by Marriott Split served as a central hub for sports legends and international officials during the 30th anniversary of the Plazma Sports Games of Youth.
- Notable guests included Zlatan Ibrahimović, Ana Ivanović, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, and world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk.
- Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković met with organizers at the hotel, reaffirming government support for the event, which has grown into Europe's largest amateur youth sports gathering.
The AC Hotel by Marriott Split, a key project of Westgate Grupa, became the focal point for global sports figures and dignitaries during the 30th anniversary of the Plazma Sports Games of Youth. The hotel served as the primary accommodation, meeting, and networking venue for these esteemed guests.
While public events took place at the Croatian National Theatre, Riva, and Prokurative, the hotel buzzed with guest interactions, organizational activities, and informal gatherings. This year's jubilee marked the arrival of numerous world-renowned athletes, coaches, and sports officials in Split for the major anniversary celebration.
Among the most prominent attendees were football icon Zlatan Ibrahimović, former world No. 1 tennis player Ana Ivanović, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, and world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk. The event also drew a host of other famous personalities, including former footballers Darijo Srna and Mario Mandžukić, basketball coach Željko Obradović, and tennis legend Goran Ivanišević.
Magnus Brunner, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, was also present as a new ambassador for the Sports Games of Youth, alongside Ana Ivanović and Goran Ivanišević. Their involvement introduces internationally recognized representatives to the Games.
Dalmatia Tower, housing the AC Hotel, was not just a place of stay but also a significant organizational site. Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković visited the hotel to meet with organizers, including Zdravko Marić, President of the Regional Organizing Committee. Prime Minister Plenković congratulated the organizers on the 30th edition and pledged continued government support for the event, which has evolved from a local initiative into Europe's largest amateur sports event for children and youth. He highlighted the Games' success in attracting partners from both the sports and business sectors.
Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.