Another edition of the sports event FIT4NOVI concluded this year by drawing a large number of participants across numerous activities, as well as enthusiastic spectators cheering on their favorites. In addition to the many tournaments held during the long weekend, this year’s event extended into the weekends of April and May, featuring new activities such as Nordic walking, storytelling cycling tours, and herbal medicine workshops—always beloved by nature enthusiasts, and all aimed at showcasing the broader beauty of our picturesque city.

The event’s grand finale took place from May 29 to June 2. Despite unfavorable weather forecasts, to everyone’s delight all planned tournaments and presentations successfully proceeded. Wednesday was reserved for the widely attended indoor soccer tournament, the Trofej Novog Vinodolskog, known as “Parts of the City.” The team Prisika emerged victorious—marking their sixth win in the tournament—while Putnika placed second and Placa‑Stari Grad took third. The award for Best Goalkeeper went to Matko Baričević, Top Scorer was Toni Petrinović, and Best Player Armando Mance.

Another highlight this year was the inaugural Children’s Day on Thursday, May 30, designed to introduce our youngest to the rich history and traditions of Novi Vinodolski in a fun, child-friendly way. Mornings filled the small-sport grounds with tennis, football, and handball. In the afternoon, the laughter of children echoed through Frankopan Square as they created a “Children’s Vinodol Code,” wrote their own rules, and learned about Mažuranić. Under the guidance of Marina Levar, they danced the traditional Novljansko kolo, joined Kud Ilija Dorčić in singing local songs, and crafted the iconic white Novljanski poštirkani scarf. The Ivan Mažuranić Elementary School added recitations and dances. Younger ones had a blast with sports-themed play, while FunTime—Novi’s first disco—kept the plaza dancing right up until the rain. There were also playful dog-themed workshops (“Dog Unit”), brooch-making with Glagolitic names led by Dorotea, and a magical “Children’s Celestial Labyrinth” filled with mysterious sky-themed puzzles.

On the same day, Tennis Club Vinodol organized a tournament in the park—though rain delayed the final. A dance fitness workshop “Uz plesni hit budi fit,” hosted by Fijolica kindergarten groups Smokvica and Suncokret, was also disrupted by the rain on Friday morning.

Saturday and Sunday featured chess tournaments hosted by ŠK Zrinski Frankopan. In the junior boys’ category, the winner was Vedran Kaloci, with Patrik Samardžić placing second and Ivan Zelčić third; for girls, Rita Matijević took first, Kim Bogović second, and Laura Bilić third. A total of 32 children competed under a 10+5 seconds-per-move time control in a 9-round Swiss-system pairing. The youngest player was 7-year-old Miriam Bučan; the youngest competitor overall was 6½-year-old Nik Brnčić—proof that chess truly is a sport for all ages. The adults’ event concluded with Goran Tomljanović winning first place, Milan Prpić second, and local player Dane Pjevač third—under the same conditions as the juniors.

Saturday also featured another small-football tournament, “Older Morčići,” organized by NK Vinodol. The winners were NK Pomorac, followed by NK Nehaj Senj, then NK Vinodol 1. Liam Brajković was named Best Goalkeeper, top scorer was Niko Eraković, and Best Player was Natan Vrbić.

Equestrian club Galop made its appearance with a riding showcase at Predrag Rubčić’s ranch. Donna Ugrinović offered “Stay healthy and active in your senior years,” a fitness presentation on Trg Ivana Mažuranića. Dance school Dansel and performer Elio Bašan taught salsa and bachata steps, followed by a musical performance from Vjeko and Eni Ključarić and a DJ set by DJ Matko to end the evening on a high note.

Sunday’s program included a mini-handball tournament organized by ŽRK Vinodol. Six teams competed in 15 matches—RK Vinodol won gold, RK Rab took silver, and RK ŠRC earned bronze. The Top Scorer was Ana Tomljanović, Best Goalkeeper Marija Palić, and MVP was Marta Lušić. The All-Star five consisted of Klara Smolčić, Lara Mataija, Karli Tariba, Hana Renić, and Sara Matić.

Around 60 players joined the highly successful table tennis tournament, with participants from Novi Vinodolski, Rab, Crikvenica, Matulji, Opatija, Kostrena, Kukuljanovo, Jadranovo, and Slavonski Brod. Categories included Super-seniors, Seniors, and Kids. In Super-seniors, winners were Robinščak Stanko and Maričić Joso, with Šegulja Dubravko and Miro Maričić as runners-up. Seniors were won by Norbert Stienen and Edo Tomeković; Neno Šostarić and Denis Vidović were second. Robert Semion/Lovorko Gržac and Ivo Ganzelja/Petar Bitanga tied for third. Among kids, Nikola Šostarić took first place while Leon Komadina was second.

Sunday morning also featured a challenging countryside bike ride starting from Korzo hrvatskih branitelja, through Batera, up to the Sviba viewpoint, and back—offering a stellar chance to explore and enjoy the stunning landscapes of the hinterland. At the small-sports playground, children had fun in the Sports Playroom, led by Donna Ugrinović. She and Lara Bušljeta also hosted a workshop on poor posture and scoliosis prevention—a health awareness project supported by Primorje-Gorski Kotar County and Crikvenica Thalassotherapy Center.

A humanitarian touch came from the NGO Novi korak—they sold event-branded T-shirts and caps to support children with developmental challenges.

In conclusion: despite warnings of bad weather, FIT4NOVI was a resounding success, much to the delight of residents and visitors alike—here’s looking forward to the next edition!