"The Olympic Games are returning to Europe after 12 years, and this is an exceptional opportunity for Slovenia, for all of us, to celebrate sport, to give it an even more appropriate profile. On the other hand, we are trying to use the Slovenian House to celebrate sport and sporting successes and to represent Slovenia in the broadest sense of the word, including culture, economy, tourism, gastronomy, science and so on. That is why we have decided to organise various events and present Slovenia here, at a time when Paris is the centre of the world, not only in terms of sport, but also in terms of politics and economy," said Franjo Bobinac, President of the OKS - ZŠZ. He also thanked the main media partner, RTV Slovenia, and other journalists and media who are "the bridge between athletes and fans, without whom pictures, news and sounds would not reach homes across Slovenia".

Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han thanked all the athletes for their successes. "Sport has opened doors to the world and made Slovenia more visible. And I will do my best to give sport the recognition it deserves. What we have in these Games in Paris is a phenomenon - an exceptional team of our sportsmen and sportswomen and an exceptional house," said Minister Han.

Prime Minister Dr Robert Golob also congratulated the athletes participating in this year's Olympic Games in Paris. This year, Slovenia is represented at the Paris Olympics by the largest ever Olympic team of 197 athletes, comprising 90 sportswomen and athletes.

Prime Minister Dr Golob also congratulated the Slovenian Olympic Committee and all partners and collaborators who had contributed to the preparation of the Slovenian House. "When the representatives of the Slovenian Olympic Committee came to the Government to seek approval for this project, we unanimously supported the project in the Government," the Prime Minister said. "We agreed that we should make the most of this year's Games and the opportunities they bring, including in the area of promotion. I am confident that we will be very proud of our sportsmen and sportswomen in the days to come. Today, let us also be proud of what we have in the Slovenia House," the Prime Minister added.

He also underlined that he and President Bobinac had agreed to meet in September on the status and tax arrangements for athletes. "We are always happy when our athletes stand on the podium and our country is visible. It is right that we somehow give back to them and that by changing the legislation, in the tax and pension areas, we come closer to the needs that athletes have after their careers are over," the Prime Minister added.

The President of the Slovenian Olympic Committee Bobinac presented the Prime Minister Dr Golob and Minister Han with a special protocol gift from the Olympic Committee of Slovenia - a silver medal with the image of Leon Štukelj, the icon of Slovenian Olympism, who won two Olympic gold medals in Paris 100 years ago.

The Slovenian House officially opens its doors on Saturday, 27 July, and will offer an extremely varied programme. The outside area, which will be open to the general public, will be a busy place every day. In the inner part of the House, various meetings and discussions will take place, as well as presentations for the business community and the media.

More photos at: Gallery.