From March 27th to 31st, 2024, Rovinj, Poreč, and Pula were alive with the annual handball and football tournament, welcoming more than 2,500 youngsters from Croatia and neighboring regions as part of the “Youth Movement Power” initiative. This endeavor, led by the “HEALTH LIFE ACADEMY,” aims to promote sports and foster healthy habits among children through social and educational activities. Now in its eleventh year, the event continues to uphold its commitment to social responsibility and education, striving to instill valuable life skills from an early age. The fundamental components of the Youth Movement Power project include the Croatia Trophy handball tournament, Croatia Trophy football tournament, Special Power League – a sports league for children and people with developmental disabilities, and symposium.
The Croatia Trophy handball tournament brought together 80 teams from across Europe, taking place from March 27th to 31st, 2024. The competition featured various age categories, covering Boys born in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012, as well as Girls born in 2008, 2010, and 2012. Matches were held at different venues, including Rovinj (Gimnasium Hall, Valbruna Hall), Poreč (Žatika Sports Hall), and Pula (Dom Sportova Hall).
The ranking of the handball tournament by categories is as follows:
Girls 2012
- MGA Fivers Wien
- RK Sevnica
- BT Fuchse
Girls 2010
- RK Sevnica
- ŽRK Samobor
- ŽRK Arena Pula
Girls 2008
- RK Podravka Vegeta
- ŽRK Trešnjevka Zagreb
- ŽRK Krka Novo Mesto
Boys 2012
- Telekom Veszprém KC
- HC Linz AG
- RK Brežice
Boys 2010
- RD Koper
- RK Zagreb
- RK Celje Pivovarna Laško
Boys 2008
- RK Dubrava
- RK Dobova
- RK Zagreb
Boys 2006
- RK Dobova
- RK Krško
- RK Koprivnica
The football tournament Croatia Trophy gathered 26 teams who competed in the categories: U9, U10, and U12 from April 28th to 30th, 2024. The ranking of football teams by categories is as follows:
U9
- NK Lokomotiva Zagreb
- HNK Hajduk Split
- HNK Rijeka
U10
- NK Lokomotiva Zagreb
- HNK Rijeka
- NK Istra 1961
U12
- HNK Rijeka
- SV Dinamo Helfort
- NK Istra 1961
Alongside the handball and football tournaments on March 29-30, the 22nd edition of the Special Power League project was held – a sports league for children with developmental disabilities. This year, as part of the SPL, the “European Special Power Cup” for children with developmental disabilities was held for the second time, gathering over 200 participants from 15 national and international clubs who played football and spent time in fun and socializing on the Valbruna fields.
As part of the project, a successful educational symposium on “Effective Methods of Working with Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders” was held. As part of the symposium, the following lecturers gave their presentations: Iva Kovačić, Mateja Vukašinec, Ana-Marija Dragojević, and Iva Marić.
The 11th edition of “Youth Movement Power” was an unforgettable experience that provided not only sports competition but also a platform for the development of social skills and healthy habits among children and youth. Participants formed lasting bonds, showcased their talents, and enjoyed a positive environment. This event represents an important step towards promoting inclusion and a healthy lifestyle in the community.
This year’s sports and educational gatherings “Youth Movement Power” which have been successfully held for the 11th consecutive year, were supported by: UEFA, EHF, Croatian Football Federation (HNS), Croatian Handball Federation (HRS), Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO), Mateo Kovačić Foundation, Istria County, Tourist Boards of Pula and Poreč, City of Pula, City of Rovinj, as well as companies such as Maistra, Valbruna Sport, Bauerfeind, BINA Istria, JYSK, GHIA Stuff, INA, HEP, Kaufland, Auto Benussi, Matošević Winery, and ATI.
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