The fourth edition of the Slovenian National Snow Volleyball Championships is scheduled for this coming Sunday at Krvavec. A record-breaking total of 24 teams, split equally with 12 per gender, will compete for the national titles on the snowy slopes of the RTC Krvavec resort. The reigning champions are Sara Valenčič, Teja Kolbl, and Anastazija Žnidar in the women`s event, and Tadej Boženk, Danijel Pokeršnik, and Denis Robida in the men`s.
Due to exceptional interest and a high volume of registrations, the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia (OZS) found it necessary to increase the number of participating teams from 16 to 24. Additionally, four teams are currently on a waiting list, hoping for an opportunity to compete this Sunday should any registered teams withdraw.
The tournament at Krvavec has attracted both current and former national team players, as well as athletes from the Slovenian elite volleyball league. Notable participants include national team members Anja Mazej and Žana Ivana Halužan Sagadin. Past members of the Slovenian national team such as Lana Ščuka, Sara Valenčič, and Špela Marušič are also set to contend for the top honours.
A thrilling contest is also anticipated in the men`s category, with 12 teams vying for the national title. This includes the reigning champions Tadej Boženk, Danijel Pokeršnik, and Denis Robida, who are joined on their team by Matej Rapnik this year.
Pokeršnik acknowledged that defending their title will be challenging. He said, “I`m truly happy that so many teams have entered the national championship. While it means more matches to win the title, we`ll give our utmost to defend it. I`ve reviewed the entry list, and the competition is tough; we can`t afford to underestimate anyone. Even the younger teams are improving. With sets played to just 15 points, focus is key from the start to the finish, demanding our highest performance level. I`m confident our team is in good form, and we`ll leverage our past experience in Snow Volleyball. We still have some sand training sessions planned before the event begins.”
The Volleyball Federation of Slovenia expressed anticipation for the event at Krvavec. Secretary General Gregor Humerca commented, “Despite the current spring temperatures, we are optimistic for a successful national championship this year. RTC Krvavec continues to offer excellent conditions, allowing us to crown our national champions there for the third year in a row. Even though Snow Volleyball lacks a formal league and is a single event, interest in the tournament across both categories is exceptionally high. We hope for good weather and for spectators to witness the impressive skills of Slovenia`s top players.”
Matches are scheduled to commence at 9:00 a.m., with the finals planned for 3:00 p.m.
The Slovenian national Snow Volleyball championship will also include a charitable component. Participants, staff, and spectators, prompted by the AED Association, will be raising funds for the acquisition of an automated external defibrillator.
Jasper Thornfield 
Finley Blackwood