ABOUT THE EVENT
The 2015 Election Congress of European Athletics was one of the focal international sports events on Slovenian soil in 2015. More than 50 national delegations and in total more than 250 of the most prominent representatives of European and World Athletics gathered in Bled to elect the new leadership of the highest European Athletic organisation after 16 years of leadership. The 3-day event featured the electing element of the congress and numerous supporting activities and events that were also attended by the most important decision makers in the queen of all sports, including, for example, Lamine Diack, president of the IAAF, Mr. Hansjörg Wirz, President of EA, and many other sporting legends who are now engaged in major sports organisations, such as Sergej Bubka, vice president of the IAAF, Lord Sebastian Coe, vice president of the IAAF and Gabriela Szabo.
CHALLENGES
The challenge was to accommodate all of these high profile guests and to prepare a rich and interesting supporting programme that showed Bled at its very best.
SOLUTION
Delegations were situated at the neighbouring Golf Hotel Bled and Hotel Savica, both operating under the wing of Sava Hotels & Resorts. The diverse social programme included a boat trip to Bled Island and guided visit of Bled, dinner hosted by the Local Organising Committee, a sightseeing tour for accompanying persons to Bled, Ljubljana and Postojna, and a photo session followed by lunch for the newly elected Council Members and their accompanying persons at the beautiful Bled Castle.
AFTER THE EVENT
The Congress was certainly an important contribution to the international recognition and promotion of Bled, which was presented to the distinguished visitors in its best light. Gregor Benčina, President of Slovenian Athletic Federation, said: “I truly believe that Bled will become a place to remember. Bled, captured in the beautiful alpine landscape, ranks among the most beautiful alpine resorts, renowned for its mild, healing climate, breathtaking views and famous legends that make it a true fairy tale place.”