On Thursday, April 9, 2026, students of the School of Economics and Business of the University of Ljubljana visited the Sailing Association of Slovenia, with which they are collaborating within the framework of the project Entrepreneurial Knowledge for Recognition (Problem-based Learning of Students in the Workplace), mentored by Prof. Dr. Boštjan Antončič and Eldina Domazet. The visit provided the students with a direct insight into the operation of one of the most successful sports areas in Slovenia and into the organizational, developmental, and promotional background of Slovenian sailing.

In Portorož, they were welcomed by Tina Mrak, a four-time Olympian, winner of medals at major competitions in the 470 class, with Veronika Macarol, and today a coach. She introduced the students to the Sailing Association of Slovenia, various sailing classes, and the activities of the Pirat Portorož Sailing Club, one of the most recognizable Slovenian sailing clubs. She also showed them the facilities used by sailors for training and preparation, and shared with them some of her rich sporting experience.

A particularly interesting part of the visit was the presentation of the sailboats in which she competed throughout her career, including the Optimist, Europa, and 470. With her stories from top-level sports, she introduced the students not only to the competitive world of sailing, but also to the importance of discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and long-term career development.

The highlight of the day was participation in the Sailor of the Year gala event, which was organized by the Sailing Association of Slovenia in Koper. At the exceptionally well-organized event, the title of Sailor of the Year 2025 was awarded to Toni Vodišek. The event presented the successes of Slovenian sailors, clubs, coaches, and supporters, and also awarded recognition for their achievements, dedication, and contribution to the development of Slovenian sailing.

The visit was a valuable experience for the students, as it enabled them to better understand the connection between sport, organization, promotion, and the development of recognition. Such meetings significantly contribute to connecting studies with practice and strengthen the understanding of how important good leadership, strategic communication, and stakeholder support are for the success of organizations in the sports and wider social environment.