Extended sunny weekend at the end of May brought the peak of the sports and educational event FIT4NOVI, which this year again attracted a large number of participants of different age groups in Novi Vinodolski. This famous event, known for promoting a healthy lifestyle and active leisure time, through four days filled with sports events and entertaining program confirmed the status of an indispensable event in the region's calendar.

Diverse program for all generations

FIT4NOVI started this year on May 29 with an attractive sailing presentation organized by the sailing club Burin, held in the beautiful Novi Vinodolski harbor. Parallel to this, Ivan Mažuranić Square was turned into an open sports studio where Bodyfit Pilates, Zumba, and Yoga Vinyasa Flow workshops were held. The youngest participants enjoyed the Children's Sports Olympiad at the Small Sports Playground organized by the Fijolica kindergarten, giving children the opportunity to engage in sports activities in a fun and active way.

Football and tennis in focus on the second day

Friday was reserved for football and tennis challenges. In the morning hours, a futsal tournament was held under the sponsorship of NK Vinodol, where local teams competed, and the victory went to the NK Crikvenica team, while NK Vinodol and NK Rječina took second and third place. The tournament winner Franko Šubert stood out with his excellent plays and was declared the best player.

The afternoon hours were reserved for the tennis tournament on the court in Novi Vinodolski park, which lasted until Sunday. The final offered a special family duel between Nikola Manestar and his father Dražen, with Niko managing to take the victory. The consolation tournament was won by young tennis player Domagoj Krišković.

Education and chess tournaments for intellectual challenge

Saturday within the event was dedicated to education and mental sports. Physiotherapist Donna-Louise Ugrinović held a very important presentation about poor posture and scoliosis in school children within the PGŽ Project, raising awareness about children's health and the importance of correct posture.

At the same time, chess tournaments for children and adults were held on chessboards organized by the Chess Club Zrinski Frankopan. Among children, the best result was achieved by Rita Matijević, while Luka Bilić and Patrik Samardžić took second and third places. Among seniors, Goran Tomljanović from ŠK Velebit dominated, while Dane Pjevač and Ivan Prvić took second and third place. In total, 28 children and 30 adult chess players competed, showing great interest in this mental discipline.

New trail race and concert spectacle

Saturday was further enriched by the second edition of the Novi trail race, which gathered numerous runners from Croatia and neighboring countries. This race through the natural landscapes of Novi Vinodolski has become a recognizable sports event attracting an increasing number of trail running enthusiasts.

The evening was reserved for relaxation and entertainment with a concert by Giuliano and Diktator, whose performances in a great atmosphere gathered numerous athletes, citizens, and visitors, contributing to the top festival mood.

Sunday sports challenges and activities for all generations

Sunday continued with activities, and the main event was a doubles table tennis tournament with as many as 42 competitors. The winning pair consisted of Toran Turk and Darko Šukunda, while Stojan Zupet and Tomislav Crnković took second place. Third place was shared by pairs Mile Maras and Dino Kabalin as well as Ivica Orlić and Predrag Špehar.

Special attention was drawn to the presentation of recreational activities for the elderly, organized by physiotherapist Donna-Louise Ugrinović. At the same time, the youngest participants took part in a sports playroom, emphasizing the importance of an active life through all ages.

Bicycle ride through beautiful landscapes and final futsal tournament

Sunday morning was filled with a bicycle ride organized by BK Vinodol, which started from the Croatian Veterans' Korzo and traveled through the picturesque hinterland of Novi Vinodolski to the Krmpotska harbor. The route was adapted to all participants, including the slowest, and everyone enjoyed the beautiful views and natural beauties.

The day was rounded off with the final futsal tournament "City Districts", where the first place was won by the Prisika team, ahead of the Plac/Old Town and Kras teams. The best scorer of the tournament was Darko Deranja, the best goalkeeper Erik Trstenjak, while Luka Filipović was declared the best player.

Contribution of the local community and humanitarian aspect of the event

This year, the Novi Korak association also joined the event, selling promotional caps and t-shirts at their stand. The funds raised from this action are intended to help children with developmental difficulties, confirming FIT4NOVI's social responsibility and care for the most vulnerable groups.

Continuous development and future plans

FIT4NOVI monitored a number of additional activities during April and May such as Nordic walks, hiking tours, and workshops, making this event a true platform for promoting a healthy and active life. Although the official part of the finale is over, Novi Vinodolski continues with a rich program including the Shrimp Festival until June 15 – an event dedicated to one of the most valued products of local gastronomy.

Restaurants in the Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera, including the restaurants of Hotel Marina and Miramare, Dida, Burin, Lemoon in Hotel Esplanade, Argo, tavern Navigare and Lucija, pizzeria Nava, and inn Danica, have prepared special menus based on Kvarner shrimp, further enriching the tourist offer of this region.

City with a rich offer for an active life

FIT4NOVI again this year marked an important step forward in the cultural and sports life of Novi Vinodolski, confirming that this city can offer a rich and diverse program for all generations. From sports challenges through educational workshops to entertaining concerts, the event once again showed that Novi Vinodolski lives life to the fullest, attracting both local residents and guests from the wider region.

For those who want to enjoy activities and beauties of this part of Croatia, accommodation in Novi Vinodolski is an available option that will complement every stay, ensuring comfort and proximity to all event happenings.