The Slovenian House in Paris officially opened its doors today and will be the centre of the fans' gathering and the comprehensive presentation of Slovenia with a number of events during these Olympic days. The President of the Slovenian Olympic Committee - Association of Sports Federations (OKS - ZŠZ) - Franjo Bobinac, and the Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Matjaž Han, welcomed the gathering and the President of the Republic, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, gave the keynote speech. The opening of the Slovenian House was also attended by the Prime Minister, Dr Robert Golob.

In his opening remarks, OKS President Franjo Bobinac thanked the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the partners for their support of the Slovenia House project and wished the Slovenian athletes a great Games. He stressed that athletes are the best ambassadors of our beautiful country. Their values of hard work, perseverance, cooperation and friendship are an inspiration for all of us. At the same time, athletes are a clear inspiration for the younger generation, because they speak to young people in the language they understand best. And that is the language of friendship and cooperation.

The President of OKS Bobinac concluded his opening greeting with two thoughts. Firstly, with the words of Nelson Mandela, who said many years ago that sport has the power to change the world: “And I truly believe this is true, because seeing in what direction this bloody world is turning currently, the world is really going in the direction of wars and aggression and conflicts. And what we are doing to do better work through sports and the value of business is completely different. So let those values of sports and olympism prevail. And these are cooperation, respect, solidarity and friendship. And if I were to have a dream, and it's for me much, much bigger dream than the number of medals, it's that the world stops, at least for the time of games and beyond.

He concluded with the phrase: "As they say in France: 'Que le meilleur gagne', and added: 'Que ça soit la Slovenie'. I would translate it thus: May the better win and may Slovenia be among them."

In her speech, the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr Nataša Pirc Musar, expressed her pride to be able to address those present in the Slovenian House, which is not only a place, but also a symbol of our sporting spirit, culture and unity. "Our athletes have been proving for many years that with unwavering will, dedication and hard work, top results can be achieved. This is not the first time that the Olympic torch has been lit in Paris and I believe that Leon Štukelj was not the last Slovenian athlete to proudly wear an Olympic medal around his neck in Paris," said the Slovenian President, adding that over the years Slovenian sport has grown into a world-renowned force. "Our athletes are ambassadors of courage, perseverance and excellence, always striving for the best and never giving up. It is this unwavering belief in themselves and their abilities that is the key to achieving the greatest successes," said President Pirc Musar.

The President of the Republic went on to call for the uniform colours of our sports jerseys, which, in her view, are a symbol of the cohesion, energy and sustainability that unite us as a nation. She added that the Slovenian House has a unifying role. "It is a place where sport, culture, politics, business and tourism will meet in the coming days. This House is not just a place, it is a symbol of our common spirit and belonging," the President concluded.

In his address, the Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport, Matjaž Han, expressed his pleasure to be here today in the heart of Paris for the inauguration of the Slovenian House at the Olympic Games. "When we cheer together for our sportsmen and ssportswomen and breathe together for the colours of our flag, we are always overwhelmed by a unifying optimism, a feeling of great belonging and commitment to our homeland. This feeling is particularly strong today as we are in Paris to support our athletes who will represent our country on the world stage with their courage and dedication," the Minister stressed, adding that all our sportsmen and sportswomen are already winners for us.

At the end of the short opening ceremony, the golden opening ribbon was symbolically cut by OKS President Bobinac, President of the Republic Pirc Musar, Minister Han and Urška Žolnir Jugovar, the recipient of two Olympic medals. The gold also symbolises all 12 gold medals won by Slovenian athletes at the Olympic Games so far.

More photos at: Gallery.