Slovenia is marking its National Day of Sport today with more than just ceremonies. Across the country, new and renovated sports facilities are opening, part of a major investment programme to boost recreation and healthy living. The Day of Sport, introduced as a public holiday in 2020, is celebrated every year on September 23rd. The date recalls Slovenia’s first Olympic gold medals, won in Sydney back in 2000 by rowers Iztok Čop and Luka Špik, and sport shooter Rajmond Debevec. Organisers say the combination of celebrations and new infrastructure highlights the importance of sport in Slovenia’s national life.