In Slovakia today, every second child is overweight or obese. More than a third of 7-year-olds eat fast food daily, and a fifth of children do not move even once a week, warns the General Health Insurance Company. It was precisely in this situation that the Dúbravská 4ka League (D4L) was created – a project that combines sports, knowledge, and digital activities to help children grow, have fun, and learn healthy habits.
Imagine the school year as a league where children collect points not only for physical activity but also for knowledge, creativity, and teamwork. D4L was created so that learning, sports, and fun are not just an obligation, but an experience that children enjoy every month with classmates and friends.
The founders of the league, Pavol Jančovič and Richard Šafárik, drew from their own experiences. As children, they loved sports, but organized tournaments were sporadic, and they had to wait months for them. Pavol says:
“We founded D4L because we were also children who loved sports. Unfortunately, it ended with one tournament, and the waiting continued until the next year. With the D4L project, we wanted to bring such an emotion to children on a monthly basis.”
Richard adds: “We wanted to enable today’s children to discover and develop their talents, regardless of whether it’s sports, knowledge, or e-sports. We are constantly working to ensure that the project includes not only traditional athletes but also other children who deserve a chance to show their talent.”
How Does the League Motivate Children to be Active?
D4L functions like a real league – children collect points throughout the school year and can follow new disciplines and results online. Reports and videos on Instagram motivate children to train at home and cooperate with classmates.
Pavol explains: “Children follow us mainly on Instagram. We know from parents and teachers that after each discipline, they check if they appear in a reel or are mentioned in an article.”
Example: A father organized several evenings of FIFA gaming for his son and a classmate to prepare for the tournament. Their teamwork and friendship ultimately helped them win the entire tournament.
Innovations Compared to Traditional School Competitions
D4L stands out with comfort and care: children are provided with transport, meals, medical services, and professional referees, so teachers can focus on training and motivation. Richard adds:
“The difference is that we combine classic sports and non-traditional disciplines. Not every child is a born athlete, but everyone can represent their school in a quiz, e-sport, or chess. This way, the competition becomes inclusive.”
Digital Disciplines as a Natural Part of Competitions
Digital activities are now part of children’s lives, and D4L utilizes them to the fullest. Pavol says:
“One of the most popular disciplines is the knowledge quiz. Online qualification and subsequent televised finals combine positive energy with knowledge and teamwork.”
E-sports and online quizzes allow children to represent their school in an environment they know and enjoy, while learning teamwork even outside the traditional sports field.
Teamwork and Inclusivity
Every discipline promotes teamwork. Pavol mentions: “Children learn to cooperate not only within their school team but also between schools. It regularly happens that they connect across schools and support each other regardless of jersey color. That warms the heart more than anything else.”
Disciplines such as swimming, dodgeball, PlayStation football, or chess bring children together and teach them to win and lose, which is a natural part of life.
Cooperation with Schools, Parents, and City Districts
The project has received positive feedback from schools, teachers, and parents. Pavol says: “Cooperation with teachers, school management, and local governments is crucial. Parents appreciate that their children can express themselves outside of traditional schooling.”
The support of the city districts Dúbravka, Lamač, and Záhorská Bystrica made it possible to organize events and connect children and local communities. Richard adds: “Without the support of the Bratislava-Dúbravka city district and Mayor M. Zaťovič, the league would never have been created. The funds we acquired allowed us to develop the project.”
The Future of the League: Creativity and Digital Innovations
The founders plan to expand the project with long-term disciplines lasting a full semester and activities supporting creativity and team dynamics. They strive to use modern digital tools to involve teachers, students, and local clubs.
Companies and individuals can get involved financially, materially, or through volunteer work in organizing competitions. Pavol says: “Partnerships allow the project to develop and make it even more attractive for children. Just write to us – we’ll be happy for every helping hand.”
The Role of Schools, Clubs, and the State
School is the first place where a child encounters sports, and a club allows them to further develop their talent. Pavol points out: “When you enter the environment where children are, the chance of gaining attention and motivating them towards sports rapidly increases.”
Richard adds: “School and club can create a system that motivates children long-term. The state should invest in infrastructure and appreciate the work of teachers and coaches. Without them, no youth sport can function.”
The Dúbravská 4ka League is proof that sports, knowledge, and digital activities can be combined in a way that motivates, entertains, and teaches children cooperation and fair play.
TEXT: Natália Stašíková
PHOTO: Dúbravská 4ka League
