Date: 16. October 2025
Time to read: 1 min
Are you an avid basketball player, too? Nova Gorica has a new, unique, borderless basketball court! In the immediate vicinity of Europe Square and the railway station, a new GOGI & GIGI street basketball court has been built, creating a symbol of friendship, sport and cooperation between Slovenia and Italy. This is a venue where movement meets social gathering, sport meets art and the significance of borders fades away.
The new cross-border court is part of the European Capital of Culture GO! 2025, connecting Italian Gorizia and Slovenian Nova Gorica in a common spirit of creativity and cooperation.
The incentive was not merely local, but has a strong international dimension.
The idea was brought to life in cooperation with the Goran Dragić Foundation, which, for a number of years, has been aiming to promote sport among children and young people, especially those coming from socially disadvantaged backgrounds.
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The new cross-border court. Photo: Cimet Studio
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The total area of the playing surface alone amounts to 569.75 m². Photo: Cimet Studio
The Foundation believes that sport is not only a competition, but a way of life that teaches young people discipline, team spirit, respect and responsibility. In addition to the organisation of basketball camps and charity events, the Foundation is also involved in the building of basketball courts and enabling access to sport for those who would otherwise stay on the sidelines.
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Goran Dragić Foundation promotes sport among children and youth, especially the underprivileged. Photo: Cimet Studio
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The Foundation promotes sport as a way of life teaching youth discipline, respect, and teamwork. Photo: Ana Rojc
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The new basketball court is situated right next to the border between Slovenia and Italy. Photo: Cimet Studio
Gogi and Gigi
The participation of two exceptional athletes, Goran “Gogi” Dragić and Luigi “Gigi” Datome, former captains of Slovenian and Italian national teams and players who have left a significant mark in the NBA League, gives the project a special weight.
With the GOGI & GIGI project, both athletes forged a symbolic point of connection between the two nations and proved that sport transcends borders, languages and differences.
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The project was created in cooperation with the Municipality of Nova Gorica, the Goran Dragić Foundation, and Italian star Luigi Datome.Photo: Ana Rojc
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The GOGI & GIGI court was inaugurated by Goran Dragić together with Nova Gorica Mayor Samo Turel, State Secretary at the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport Matevž Frangež, and GO! 2025 Director Mija Lorbek. Photo: Ana Rojc
The smart court is part of the Jungle Basket, a broader initiative connecting art, technology and sport. The project promotes creative ways of moving and provides an opportunity for young people to express themselves, both on and off the court. With the help of modern technology, it enables interactive exercise, monitoring of the results and socialising in the digital environment. The project is also involved in the all-Slovenian campaign, #Podamdaigram, promoting movement, friendship and healthy competition between young people all across the country.
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Dunking Devils, the world - famous acrobatic group delivered an adrenalin - filled performance. Photo: Ana Rojc
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The smart court is part of the "Jungle Basket" project and the nationwide #Podamdaigram initiative, which encourages young people to exercise, socialise and embrace the spirit of sports. Photo: Ana Rojc
One spirit, one team, one victory
The new basketball court is situated right next to the border between Slovenia and Italy. Here, two cultures, two cities and one sporting spirit intertwine in the rhythm of dribbling and jumping.
One spirit, one team, one victory – is the message conveyed by the GOGI & GIGI basketball court. A space where every shot counts and every smile unites.
Dribble, shoot, jump and score in Nova Gorica, a town in which basketball brings people together and writes a new story of friendship without borders.
