London, 13th November 2014 - This Saturday (15th November) England take on Slovenia at Wembley in a qualification match for 2016 UEFA European Championships. Slovenia may not be the bookies’ favourite to win, but we do offer some of the best training conditions in Europe, and are a nation with sportsmanship in the heart of every citizen.
(TRAVPR.COM) SLOVENIA - November 14th, 2014 -
As one of the top sports destinations in Europe, will Slovenia beat England at Wembley?
London, 13th November 2014 - This Saturday (15th November) England take on Slovenia at Wembley in a qualification match for 2016 UEFA European Championships. Slovenia may not be the bookies’ favourite to win, but we do offer some of the best training conditions in Europe, and are a nation with sportsmanship in the heart of every citizen.
With a landmass similar to that of Wales, and a population of just two million, Slovenia has enjoyed huge sporting success. This comes as little surprise when you consider just how diverse it is – combining the Alps, the Mediterranean, the Pannonia Plains and the Karst. No matter the season, conditions are always perfect for one sport or another.
These ideal conditions have produced leaving sportsmen and women including Anže Kopitar, one of the key stars at the NHL’s LA Kings, and Goran Dragić, who plays for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. Perhaps most famous is two-time Olympic gold medal winner and all time record breaking skier Tina Maze. However, she may soon be eclipsed by the Skofic brothers (originally from Tarleton in Lancashire), who are on the cusp of making rugby union history by becoming the first sibling quintet to play together on the international stage!
In fact, international athletes and sporting teams have long since travelled to green, active and healthy Slovenia to make the most of our ideal training conditions. These include Hull City, Reading, Sheffield Wednesday, Leeds United and Middlesbrough football teams.
Here’s why Slovenia is such a desirable sports destination
1. You can swim and ski on the same day!
The geographical and climatic diversity and variety of Slovenia allows you to run in the mountains in the morning, take a swim in the Adriatic in the afternoon and go night skiing in the evening.
2. One of the best countries in Europe for year-round activities.
Spend your winters skiing in the Julian Alps, sunbathe along the Mediterranean in the summer and try your hand at a long list of sports and activities in between!
3. Water, water everywhere!
Slovenia is one of the most water-rich countries in Europe. Its rivers, streams and other watercourses measure 27,000km in total. Moreover, Slovenia has numerous thermal and mineral springs and lots of underground waters, perfect to relax in after a hard day’s training.
4. A world of winter sport opportunities
Many of Slovenia’s ski areas are connected to valleys, meaning that each one offers a unique experience. In February 2015, the Pohorje Mountains near Maribor will host the 51st Golden Fox, followed by the 54th Vitranc Cup in March and ski jumping in the world famous Planica Valley.
5. Lake Bled is a great destination for rowers
In May 2015, Lake Bled will host the World Rowing Cup for the world’s rowing elite. Many national and international regattas have also been organized here over the years and visitors can rent boats.
Slovenian football journalist, television host and sports commentator, Igor Evgen Bergant, said:
“It’s difficult to find so many different possibilities to be active in an area so small and so central. There aren’t any really big cities in Slovenia and half of the population still lives in the countryside. The beautifully preserved nature is extremely inviting and offers all sorts of activities by foot, bicycle or boat. Slovenia has Alpine mountains with a view of the Adriatic sea, from the beaches you can reach the beginning of the Pannonian plain within two hours’ drive. So, people of Slovenia, who are nature loving, competitive and persistent, just have to experience everything around them.”
Slovenia vs England, 14th June 2015
And remember, regardless of the outcome on Saturday, the rematch will be taking place in Slovenia in June next year, and we’d love to invite you to come and enjoy our green, active and healthy country for yourself!
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