Funny Olympics and Lek Sunshine Games – a playful conclusion to the summer holidays

31. 8. 2022

The last day of August in Maribor was filled with children's laughter and fun, as the Maribor Association of Friends of Youth held the traditional Funny Olympics along with Lek's Sunshine Games. 

The event marked the end of the summer activities, which every year provide free flights to many children from the A Wink to the Sun® humanitarian program. Lek, a Novartis company, has been an important part of the program for almost 25 years, ensuring that children from socially disadvantaged families have a relaxing, safe, creative, and active holiday. In 2021, the A Wink to the Sun® program provided free holidays to more than 1,400 children.

"We are immeasurably enriched by the fact that in all these years, in cooperation with SAFY, we have enabled many children from socially disadvantaged families to enjoy carefree holidays at the seaside. Every child deserves it, because these experiences give them the motivation and courage that they need for the new school year. It is this noble mission that motivates us time and time again to continue to nurture the partnership," said Gregor Makuc, Head of Communications and External Engagement at Novartis in Slovenia.

Breda Krašna, Secretary General of the Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth, pointed out that this year it is estimated that even more children will spend the summer at their facilities than last year. Over the summer, they also hosted over 200 Ukrainian children, for which they received a special donation. "The underlying principle of all our holidays is to reduce the social exclusion of children from disadvantaged families and children with special needs through inclusive grouping – so the groups are mixed. This means that children who are on self-paid holidays, children who are on subsidized holidays, children who are on free holidays, children with special needs who are also assisted by accompanying persons, and children who are on medical holidays, all go on holidays together," Krašna pointed out, adding that she is pleased that the A Wink to the Sun® program is becoming more and more recognized by the wider society and that they are able to take more and more children on holidays every year.

SAFY fall activities

The Slovenian Association of Friends of Youth is gearing up for an active fall. The first week of every October, this year from October 3 to 9, is Week of the child®, which will be held under the slogan "Having a good time together". Youth associations and associations of friends of youth across Slovenia will organize various activities during the week, and kindergartens and primary schools will also be invited to take part. This school year, the Children's Parliament will debate the mental health of children and young people, the Young Historians will explore sports through time, and the Europe in School competition will be focusing on war and peace. The autumn days will also see the re-launch of "Tom potuje, otroke obiskuje", a TOM TELEFON® activity.