Sports Festival 2024 (June 13-16): A Grand Celebration of Sports
Sports Festival 2024 was a true sports spectacle, where the audience had the chance to try new sports, enjoy movement, compete in various challenges, and meet global tennis legends.
Former tennis star Andre Agassi, known for his unmistakable playing style, and his wife, Stefanie Graf, a 22-time Grand Slam champion, traveled across the ocean to connect with Romanian fans. The two played in a tennis exhibition match alongside Simona Halep and Andrei Pavel on Saturday night at BTarena. Together with their special guests, Justin Gimelstob and Horia Tecău, they gave fans a magical evening.
On Sunday, fans had another unique opportunity—to hear Agassi and Graf speak in an exclusive masterclass.
Tennis Legends on Romania and Sports Festival
Stefanie Graf: ”The audience was so warm and welcoming—it was a true pleasure. We don’t get to do this very often. The stands were packed, with fans even from Taiwan. It’s our first time in Romania, and it’s wonderful.”
Andre Agassi: ”It was amazing to be on the court with Simona and Andrei. Romania has been a pleasant surprise. We had great summer weather, the Sports Festival, and even a film festival here in Cluj. We’ve really enjoyed our time.”
Saturday’s special guests also included Ilie Năstase and Ion Țiriac.
Ion Țiriac: ”Honestly, I want to congratulate you for making this happen in Cluj. I also congratulate you for having such a venue—Bucharest doesn’t have a hall like this. My compliments to the organizers, to Patrick (Ciorcilă), for pulling this off—not for the first time, either. After such a long break without tennis in Romania, it’s back. You have the women’s tournaments, and Bucharest is bringing back the men’s event. Your presence here proves that we still have a strong tennis culture, built by legends like Năstase, Ruzici, Halep, Tecău, and many others.”
A Festival for Everyone: Over 150,000 People Celebrated Sports
Beyond the major events, the fifth edition of Sports Festival featured countless activities for all ages. Over 150,000 children and adults enjoyed the magic of sports over the four festival days, despite some rain on the first two days.
The traditional parade of sports clubs brought even more color to Sports Festival, showcasing the diversity of the sports world. Over 3,000 children from nearly 100 sports clubs marched on Friday evening from Central Park in Cluj-Napoca to the festival’s main stage, set up between Cluj Arena and BTarena.
The Survivor Challenge made a comeback this year, giving fans the chance to meet their favorite contestants from PRO TV’s Survivor Romania. Celebrities like Ștefania Stănilă, Andrei Krișan, Jorge (George Papagheorghe), and Dan Pavel attended the event in Cluj-Napoca.
New Sports and Exciting Competitions
Alongside thrilling competitions, this year’s festival introduced two new events:
4v4 Football (Red Bull Four 2 Score) – A fast-paced, high-intensity tournament with no goalkeepers and 10-minute matches. The final national qualifiers took place at Sports Festival before the grand final on June 23 in Bucharest.
Canicross – A dog-centered competition that drew over 50 enthusiastic dogs competing in two events:
- Obstacle Run – a 300m tandem race where dogs and their owners navigated obstacles together.
- Dog Speed Run – a 50m sprint, with dogs racing towards their owners.
Another highlight was the Grand Prix Romania, a rapid chess tournament with an impressive €30,000 prize pool. It was accompanied by the “Education Through Chess” project, both organized by the Romanian Chess Federation. Just like last year, multiple-time world champion Viswanathan Anand was present at the event.
On Sunday, over 1,500 “superheroes” ran for a noble cause—renovating the Neonatology Department of Stanca Maternity Hospital in Cluj-Napoca. The Superhero Charity Run, part of the Hospitals Funded by Private Donations campaign (Metropolis Foundation), featured four race categories:
- 10K Open (Men/Women)
- 5K Open (Men/Women)
- Family 2K & 5K
Additionally, the festival hosted a children’s football tournament (U8-U14), the National Rugby U14 Final & Mini Rugby Competition, and the Super Open Beach Volleyball Tournament.
Free Sports Activities: 30 Initiation Zones for All Ages
Sports Festival 2024 featured 30 free initiation areas, allowing participants of all ages to discover the fun and diversity of sports, including aikido, athletics, basketball, bocce, kayaking, cycling, cross-training, functional training, dance, climbing, football, rhythmic gymnastics, aerobic gymnastics, kyokushin, handball, cheerleading, roundnet, rugby, chess, cross-country skiing, tennis, volleyball, judo, roller skating, fitness (Worldclass), golf, table tennis, canicross, motor skills assessment, and badminton.
Beyond Sports: Inspiration & Motivation
Sports Festival was not just about physical activity—it was also about inspiration and success stories.
At Sports Talks, renowned figures from the sports world spoke about this year’s main theme: motivation. Speakers included **Patrick Ciorcilă, Răzvan Peristeri, Sorin Babii, Mihai Silvășan, Laura Gavrilaș, Arian Notrețu, Irina Deleanu, Gabriel Cotea, Dr. Ioana Moldovan, Cătălin Moroșanu, Toma Coconea, Constantina Diță, George Baltă, Virginia Ruzici, Theo Cercel, Emanuel Cățe, Ania Caill, Ioan Achiriloaie, Andrei Pavel, Robert Glință, Omer Tetik, Ciprian Lupu, Alisia Perșa, Cristian Sandru, Adi Lupu, and Cătălin Sprînceană.
As always, Sports Festival combined sports with entertainment, featuring live concerts to get the crowd moving and dancing. Performers included CDJ – Cristian Daniel, Matei Sax, Ami, Voltaj, MC Dylma, Gașca Zurli, Andreea Esca, and Otravă. During the day, the main stage hosted various aerobics, fitness, and dance classes.
Sports Festival: Romania’s Biggest Multi-Sport Event
Held every June, Sports Festival is Romania’s largest multi-sport event, and 2024 marked its fifth edition. The festival offers four days of sports, challenges, and unforgettable moments, featuring free sports initiation activities, competitions and challenges, face-to-face encounters with champions at Sports Talks, exclusive masterclasses for professionals, the Superhero Charity Run, the Sports Clubs Parade, and demonstration events that turn sports into pure entertainment.
Sports Festival continues to prove that sports are for everyone—fun, diverse, and inspiring!
