The Plazma Youth Sport Games (YSG) has become a cornerstone of youth sports in Europe, celebrating its 30th anniversary in the Croatian city of Split. This event, often dubbed “the Davos of sport,” attracts prominent figures from the worlds of sports and politics, but its true impact lies in its role as the largest amateur sports event for children in Europe.
Nearly half a million young people from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia participated in the qualifying rounds for this year’s event. The finals, held over a week in Split, feature competitions in 10 sports, from chess to 3v3 basketball. Beyond the competitive aspect, the YSG emphasizes lessons in teamworkcollaboration and the importance of disconnecting from digital devices.
The Origins and Evolution of the YSG
The YSG was founded by Zdravko Maric in the aftermath of the breakup of Yugoslavia and the Bosnian war. Initially, the focus was on addressing drug problems among Croatia’s youth. Over the years, the event has evolved into a social project that promotes real-life interactions and physical activity. Slaven Maric, Zdravko’s brother, highlights the event’s growth: “It’s not about sport or the results; it’s about social life, it’s about being together.”
Getting kids off their phones is a key message for the games in 2026. Maric says attempts by esports brands to become involved in the event have been rebuffed. The event’s emphasis on real-life interactions and physical activity has resonated with participants and visitors alike.
Celebrity Support and Future Ambitions
The YSG has garnered support from numerous sports personalities and celebrities, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alastair Campbell. Sean Dyche, a former Burnley manager, calls the Games “a brilliant, brilliant initiative” and praises the girls’ mini-football final for its competitive spirit and supportive environment.
Dyche also notes the challenges of replicating such an initiative in the UK, citing the numerous rules and regulations that can hinder similar efforts. Despite these challenges, the YSG continues to grow, with discussions underway to include more nations in future events. North Macedonia competed for the first time this year, and Ukrainian teams were invited guests.
Sponsorship deals are also expanding, with partners like Coca-Cola, Topps, and the leading Croatian telecom firm Telemach. The event now boasts 11 billionaire investors, including Peter Thiel, the founder of PayPal and Palantir. Thiel’s involvement underscores the event’s growing influence and appeal.
The Connection to Split’s Sporting Legacy
Split, a city with a rich sporting history, has been the perfect host for the YSG. With a population of only 160,000, Split has produced sporting legends like Goran Ivanisevic, Bernard Vukas, and Luka Modric. The city’s Olympic “walk of fame” celebrates its 73 medal winners, and it even has its own sport, picigin, played in the shallows of the Adriatic.
The connection between the games and the city runs deep, and the pride in its success is evident among locals. Slaven Bilic, a former Premier League player and manager, is another native and YSG ambassador. “It’s great that at a time when there’s a lot of negativity in the world that this can exist,” Bilic said. “Especially in this part of the world that is supposed to be unstable.”
The YSG’s future looks bright, with ambitions to increase the number of participating nations and secure more sponsorship deals. As the event continues to grow, it remains a beacon of hope and unity in a region that has seen its share of challenges.
