Since 2014, SIJ Group – Slovenian Steel Group and the Olympic Committee of Slovenia – Association of Sports Federations have been cooperating on the installation of steel street workouts, which SIJ Group manufactures from recycled steel according to the principles of the circular economy. The steel street workouts encourage all residents of local communities to spend their leisure time actively, but they also have a special mission – to awaken the mind of steel.
Recently, the 21st steel street workout, situated at the city stadium Ljudski vrt area next to the auxiliary football pitch, was inaugurated in the presence of esteemed guests from the European Olympic family. Notable attendees included Spyros Capralos, the President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), and members of the EOC Executive Committee.
"It's not solely about professional sports; at the Slovenian Olympic Committee, our goal is to promote sports for well-being and active living – sports for all. May these steel street workouts become a space where generations unite, sharing experiences and fostering a sense of well-being for all," said Slovenian Olympic Committee President Franjo Bobinac, who was joined on stage by EOC President Spyros Capralos.
Maribor's Mayor, Saša Arsenovič, expressed great satisfaction with the outstanding initiatives that enrich the leisure time of the city's residents, promoting an active lifestyle.
"I am delighted that we have provided another sustainable sports infrastructure for use during the ongoing European Youth Olympic Festival in Maribor. With the 21st donation of a steel street workout, SIJ Group continues to support the development of sports and offers recreational opportunities for all, empowering them to strengthen their mind of steel in these street workouts. At the same time, we want people to realise the crucial role steel plays in sports infrastructure as they exercise here. We take pride in bringing the practice of sustainable action to the realm of sports partnerships," said Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communication at SIJ Group.
The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of numerous athletes from the Slovenian national team at EYOF, along with the steel street workout's ambassador, Filip Flisar, a former world-class athlete and Olympian. "The photo on this board brings back memories of my life's achievements. I come from ski cross, a sport that was relatively unknown in Slovenia a few years ago, and now I stand as an ambassador for this festival and steel street workout. Being a part of this story of integration, socializing, and promoting sports for all fills me with pride and happiness," said Filip.
Gymnast Mitja Petkovšek, and rhythmic gymnast Mojca Rode, along with young gymnasts from ŠD Center Maribor, also put their skills to the test in the new steel street workout.
The steel structure was made by our colleagues at SIJ Ravne Systems. Constructing one of these street workouts requires approximately 200 man-hours, 120 meters of steel tubes, 48 couplings, and 19 pillar caps, along with a wealth of knowledge and love for steel – the most widely used material across all aspects of our lives.
As SIJ Group supports the development of sport and recreation for all, and we want people to learn about the important role of steel in sports infrastructure through conscious contact with steel, we have already built 21 such steel street workouts in cooperation with the Olympic Committee, and we plan to build nine more by 2026.
---
SIJ – Slovenian Steel Group is one of the leading producers of stainless steel and special steels in Europe. We are committed to global and European climate goals and operate in line with circular economy principles. With our steel and steel products, we are the right partner for facilitating the green transition in Europe. We are aiming to confirm our sustainability credentials by achieving certification to the stringent ResponsibleSteel standard by the end of 2023. This will position us as one of the most responsible and sustainable steel producers in the world. Our two largest companies are modern recycling steelworks, and our steel is recycled because it is made from steel scrap. With more than 3,800 employees, we are one of the largest employers in Slovenia and a pillar of the Slovenian steel sector. We are one of Slovenia's leading exporters. About 85% of our revenue is generated in foreign markets.
More information:
SIJ – Slovenska industrija jekla, d.d.
Sara Wagner, Head of Corporate Communications
Corporate Communications
Telephone: +386 1 242 98 27
Mobile phone: +386 41 313 532
E-mail: sara.wagner@sij.si
