"The greatest victories happen when we come together – and this year, together with more than 400 charity runners, we truly did," said Tanja Skaza at the 11th edition of Skaza’s Child-to-Child Charity Run. "My heartfelt thanks go to all the parents who bring their children every year – some have been with us since the very beginning." Over its 11 editions, the event has raised a total of €186,250, supporting numerous organizations and individuals who place children at the center of their work. This year, Skaza donated €35,200, which was allocated to the Od Alje do Žana and ViaTea projects, young musical talents, and a young athlete. Once again, the children demonstrated the event’s core message through their kindness and generosity: We win when we help one another. Every participant who completed the 200- or 800-meter course received a well-earned medal because, on this day, everyone was a winner.
The event was once again hosted by the project’s founder, Tanja Skaza, who emphasized that Child-to-Child has grown beyond the framework of a sporting event and become a movement that promotes empathy, courage, and mutual support. Together with Dr. Aleš Musar, President of the Alma Foundation, and Aleksandra Vasiljević, Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Velenje, she addressed approximately 650 participants.
Dr. Aleš Musar, President of the Alma Foundation, highlighted that this event represents one of the finest examples of collaboration between business, local communities, and young people in Slovenia: "It is wonderful to see a company that prioritizes what truly matters for children: a healthy mind in a healthy body and helping other children. This is a remarkable charity event that brings children together and enables them to help other children through sport. Seeing hundreds of children and their parents here demonstrates the strong connection between the company and its community, as well as the inspiring example it sets for the whole of Slovenia."
At a time when the world often emphasizes competition, individualism, and personal achievement, Tanja Skaza stressed: "We must encourage children to believe in themselves, pursue their dreams, and strengthen values such as mutual support, empathy, and courage. These are the values that nurture mental well-being and help build a better society."
This year, Skaza partnered with the Od Alje do Žana project, placing one of the most important issues of our time at the forefront – the mental and emotional well-being of children, adolescents, and families.
"On behalf of the entire Od Alje do Žana team and all participating schools, I would like to sincerely thank Skaza for this donation, which significantly helps us include ten additional schools in the project. I am also delighted that we have joined forces as partners. We believe that together we are stronger and louder in our commitment to protecting the mental health of young people," said Ema Randl, Head of the Od Alje do Žana Project.
A significant portion of this year’s funds was also awarded to the ViaTea project, which promotes physical activity, social connection, and mental well-being.
"ViaTea is built on the belief that movement, conversation, and kindness can help create better generations. I believe in the power of small actions, because they are what build communities where people support and connect with one another," said the project’s founder, Teja Jugovic.
Part of this year’s funds was also allocated to young football player Mitja Mežnar, who will use the donation to support medical therapies and his continued rehabilitation.
A new story begins: Skaza stars
One of the most emotional highlights of this year’s event was the premiere of Skaza Stars, a new initiative through which Skaza opens doors for young talents to develop their abilities. As many as 29 young singers applied for the competition, and Skaza’s selection committee chose eight finalists.
The title of Skaza Star 2026 was awarded to Tija Pesjak, who received a €3,000 scholarship from Skaza. Upon receiving the award, she shared her excitement:"This award gives me a new opportunity to continue developing my talent and take it to the next level."
The remaining finalists each received a financial award of €200, while the youngest participant, Iza Luna Žibert, received €500 to fund individual singing lessons.
Even in its very first edition, the Skaza Stars project has demonstrated how a community can support young talents by providing real opportunities for growth and development.
The greatest victory is not at the finish Line
Over the past eleven years, Skaza’s Child-to-Child Charity Run has evolved far beyond a sporting event. It has become a place where children learn the value of giving. A place where communities come together. A place where a company transforms its social responsibility into meaningful action. And a place where values are not merely written on posters but are lived every day through people’s actions.
"When you help others, you begin to win. Child-to-Child reflects the values of our community," emphasizes Tanja Skaza.
And that is why the greatest winners of this year’s run were not those who crossed the finish line first. The greatest winners were everyone who chose to run for someone else.