23 May 2014, Bled- Participants of 89 teams from over 50 companies

Slovenia Business Run 2014 gathered participants of 89 teams from over 50 companies, who ran laps around the Lake Bled on Friday, May 23rd. Each lap contributed funds towards making dreams a reality for the men and women of the Center for Training, Occupation and Care (CUDV) Matevža Langusa Radovljica within the scope of the 5 runs, 125 smiles project!

Slovenia Business Run is a team relay race, that combines competitive spirit with business networking and socialization. It is a charitable event for all who are enthusiastic about their business and sport. Slovenia Business Run was a unique opportunity to bond with co-workers, connect with teams from other companies and enjoy the festivities. Three-member company teams competed for unique awards, honour and glory by running around the only natural island in Slovenia.

Last year’s event brought together 85 teams in winter-like conditions. The participants gave it their best and conquered the weather. This year the weather was more lenient, which created an even better atmosphere for competing and socializing.

MICE sales executive at Sava Turizem, Saša Zor comments that healthy competitive spirit in combination with a good cause connects the participants in a pleasant way and that the event serves a double purpose as team-building within the company.

Gregor Benčina, the president of the Slovenian Athletics Federation in and chairman of the board at Jelovica group, who was the official starter this year, said that participation at Slovenia Business Run »is always rewarding, and besides having brought one of the highest ranking officials of the European Athletics Federation, the finn Antti Pihlakoski, to the run last year, I cannot get past the amazing achievement of the Jelovica team; they won in the category of all-male teams.«

By running, companies raised funds for integration of persons with mental disabilities into a wider social environment. »We cannot achieve inclusion of persons with mental disability by creating an extra category for them at sporting events. We must do so by running alongside them in the spirit of fair-play: Always give it your best – compete to win. That means without special treatment or pity for those different than us.« explained Klemen Dolenc, the man behind the project (5 runs, 125 smiles). He is an ex-duathlete and a running coach, that brought the first generation of participants in the project to the finish line of the 10km run hosted by Ljubljana City Marathon last year.

RESULTS: HERE

All-male team winners:

1.) Jelovica hiše d.d.

2.) UPS, Sandi Murovec s.p.

3.) Informatika d.d.

All-female team Winners:

1.) Zdravstveni Dom Kranj

2.) Sunny Studio d.o.o.

3.) Krater Media d.o.o.

Mixed team winners:

1.) Adriatic Slovenica d.d.

2.) Manager Klub Ptuj

3.) PGD Lesce

AmCham Slovenia thanks would like to thank to all the member companies who participated at the sport event, and sincerely congratulates all the winners!