A sunny extended weekend at the end of May was the perfect backdrop for the finale of Novi Vinodolski’s most recognized sports event – FIT4NOVI, which once again gathered a large number of participants of all generations through a wide range of activities.

Over four days packed with sports, presentations, and fun, Novi Vinodolski once again proved itself a fantastic host of an event dedicated to healthy living and active leisure.

The program kicked off on Thursday, May 29th, with an attractive sailing demonstration in the harbor organized by the JK Burin Sailing Club. Meanwhile, Ivan Mažuranić Square turned into an open-air stage for recreation, featuring Bodyfit Pilates, Zumba, and Vinyasa Flow Yoga. The youngest participants enjoyed the Children’s Sports Olympics at the Small Sports Field, organized by the Fijolica Kindergarten.

The following day focused on football and tennis. The morning featured a futsal tournament organized by NK Vinodol, with NK Crikvenica winning first place, ahead of NK Vinodol and NK Rječina. Franko Šubert was named the best player of the tournament. In the afternoon, the TK Vinodol Tennis Club tournament began in the town park and lasted through Sunday. The final brought a real family showdown – Niko Manestar from Crikvenica defeated his father Dražen to take the title. The consolation bracket was won by Domagoj Krišković.

Saturday brought an educational focus with a presentation titled “Poor Posture and Scoliosis in Schoolchildren” – a Primorje-Gorski Kotar County project led by physiotherapist Donna-Louise Ugrinović. At the same time, children’s and adult chess tournaments took place, organized by the Zrinski Frankopan Chess Club. Among the children, Rita Matijević from Zrinski Frankopan took first place, Luka Bilić from Kraljevica came second, and Patrik Samardžić from Crikvenica took third. A total of 28 children participated. In the senior tournament, 30 players competed, with Goran Tomljanović from ŠK Velebit emerging as the winner, followed by Dane Pjevač from Zrinski Frankopan and Ivan Prvić from Velebit.

That same day, the second Novi Trail race was held, attracting many runners from Croatia and the broader region.

After a day of sports, it was time to relax. Saturday evening was reserved for a concert by Giuliano and Diktatori, who brought together a large crowd of athletes and visitors in a fantastic atmosphere.

On Sunday, the sports activities continued with a doubles table tennis tournament featuring 42 competitors. The top pair was Toran Turk and Darko Šukunda. Second place went to Stojan Zupet and Tomislav Crnković, while third was shared between Mile Maras and Dino Kabalin, and Ivica Orlić and Predrag Špehar.

Physiotherapist Donna-Louise Ugrinović also prepared a presentation of recreational exercises for the elderly, while the youngest joined in a fun sports playroom. The morning was enriched with a recreational cycling tour through Novi Vinodolski’s hinterland, organized by the Vinodol Cycling Club. Starting from Korzo Hrvatskih Branitelja and ending at Luka Krmpotska, the ride was adapted to the slowest participants and rewarded all cyclists with stunning views along the route.

The day wrapped up with another futsal tournament, “City Districts,” where team Prisika won first place, followed by Placa/Stari Grad and Krasa. Darko Deranja was named top scorer, Erik Trstenjak best goalkeeper, and Luka Filipović the best player overall.

This year, the Novi Korak association also participated, selling promotional caps and T-shirts at their stand. All proceeds will be used to support children with developmental challenges.

This year’s FIT4NOVI once again proved to be a hugely successful project combining sport, education, and entertainment. During April and May, the event included a variety of activities – from Nordic walks and hiking tours to workshops – all culminating in a vibrant finale filled with tournaments and presentations.

Although FIT4NOVI has officially ended, Novi Vinodolski’s lively season continues. Until June 15th, the Shrimp Festival is taking place – celebrating one of the region’s most prized local ingredients. Restaurants across the Crikvenica-Vinodol Riviera – including Hotel Marina and Miramare restaurants, Dida, Burin, Lemoon (Hotel Esplanade), Argo, konoba Navigare and Lucija, pizzeria Nava, and tavern Danica – have prepared special menus based on Kvarner Bay shrimp.

FIT4NOVI marked the transition into a new chapter of Novi’s rich seasonal offerings – once again proving how one town can deliver a high-quality, diverse program for all. We look forward to the next edition, but until then – Novi continues to live life to the fullest.