“I am deeply grateful and honored that we have now created the 10th Skaza charity run – with the highest number of children so far, an incredible 362 runners,” said Tanja Skaza, the initiator of the project, at the emotional anniversary of the Skaza charity run Child to Child. “A heartfelt thank-you to the parents who bring their children year after year – some have been with us from the very beginning.”
Over the past decade, the Skaza run has raised €151,050, which has been donated to various organizations and individuals working to give children opportunities, trust, and support. This year’s record-breaking amount of €39,800 was distributed among the project Od Alje do Žana (run by Fundacija Alma), the Vidim Cilj Foundation, and the young athlete Azra Zulić. With their enthusiasm and kindness, the children once again embodied the event’s main message: Together we win when we help each other! That’s why every child who ran the 200 or 800 meters received a well-deserved medal—because on this day, everyone was a winner.
At Skaza, we wholeheartedly emphasize that this event would not be possible without the support of our donors and sponsors. Their willingness to contribute, support, and believe in the power of community is what has kept this project alive and successful for ten years. Our sincere thanks go to everyone who joined us on this journey and helped us write a story of solidarity.
This year, the heart and inspiration of the event once again came from Tanja Skaza, who emphasized that the Child to Child run has grown into a movement—one that brings people together, promotes compassion, and breaks boundaries. She was joined by the President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar, and the Mayor of the Municipality of Velenje, Peter Dermol, who addressed a record number of participants.
Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar said: “Thank you to all the parents who brought their children today. I sincerely believe there are more good people than bad in Slovenia – and your presence here today proves that. When you help others, you’re really helping yourself, too. Events like this mean so much to me. Slovenia has soul. It is compassionate. It knows how to help. A heartfelt thank-you for being here – thank you to Tanja Skaza, to Mayor Peter Dermol, and to the city of Velenje.”
Children proudly stepped onto the track alongside inspiring supporters like Rok Plankl, Director of the Savinja–Šalek Chamber of Commerce, Robert Etling of Porsche Finance Group Slovenia, Alen Kobilica, co-owner of Indy & Pipa, Maja Brelih Lotrič, CEO of Meroslovje Lotrič, Erika Pleško, CEO of Tuli, Peter Nakov, CEO of ALSET, and Tina Grošelj Dobrijević, Head of Corporate Communications at Skaza.
At the finish line, each child received a medal personally awarded by Tanja Skaza and the President of Slovenia, Dr. Nataša Pirc Musar. Regardless of speed, stride, or distance—every runner was a winner that day.
One of this year’s recipients was Fundacija Alma, which runs the Od Alje do Žana program, providing psychosocial support to children and adolescents in emotional distress—right where it’s needed most: in schools. They received €20,000, which will be used for teacher training, volunteer activities, and direct student support. The donation was accepted by Darinka Pavlič Kamien, President of the Fundacija Alma, and Ema Rogač Randl, Project Leader.
The Vidim Cilj Center, led by Alen Kobilica, received €15,000 for free sports programs for children with special needs. Their mission is inclusion through movement—using sport as a tool for empowerment, dignity, and belonging.
The third recipient was Azra Zulić, a talented young athlete who received a scholarship worth €4,800 to support her continued athletic development and encourage her promising career.
Throughout the most heartfelt event of the year, visitors were guided by beloved radio host Anja H. Ramšak, who brought warmth, humor, and charm to every moment, making each guest—from the youngest runners to proud parents—feel part of something truly special. Young DJs from the Mini DJ Academy brought musical energy that delighted all generations, while creative and sports workshops, entertainment, food stalls, and a vibrant raffle added to the festive atmosphere.
The highlight of the day was the performance by the band Game Over, whose biggest hits got everyone—from toddlers to grandparents—singing along at the top of their lungs, basking in the positive energy that filled every corner of the event.
