Split & Brač to host first Croatian Diaspora Friendship Games

Split

By Branka Bezic Filipovic

A major new international sports and cultural event aimed at strengthening ties between Croatia and its global diaspora will debut next summer on the Dalmatian coast.

The first Croatian Diaspora Friendship Games – Split & Brač 2026 (Iseljeničke Igre Zajedništva) will take place from 16 to 20 July 2026, bringing together Croatians from all six continents in a celebration of sport, culture, heritage and shared identity.

Conceived as an annual event to be hosted in a different Croatian region each year, the Games will open in Split and on the island of Brač, before moving to Osijek and the wider Slavonia region in 2027.

The idea for the Games was born during informal summer sporting gatherings in Croatia, where spontaneous connections between diaspora Croats and local athletes revealed a clear need for a permanent, nationally significant and internationally oriented event.

The initiative aims to create a lasting platform for cooperation, exchange of experience and long-term connection between the homeland and Croatian communities abroad.

The project is initiated and led by the American Croatian Congress (ACC), with broad support from partner organisations across Croatia and the diaspora (see below). 

The official opening ceremony will take place on 16 July 2026 at 19:30 at the iconic Galerija Meštrović in Split.

The ceremony will combine sport and culture through the internationally recognised project “Kravata istaknutih Hrvatica i Hrvata iseljeništva”.

As part of the programme, an exhibition will open alongside the presentation of the second, expanded edition of the book Hrvati ujedinjeni kravatom by Branka Bezić Filipović.

The book’s cover features artwork by world-renowned artist Charles Billich. The “Kravata” project was initiated by Los Angeles-based Croatian émigré Nada Pritisanac Matulich and has, over the past two years, been presented across six continents in 27 official events at prestigious museums, galleries and universities. Its 28th presentation is scheduled for Seattle.

The project has also received the support and personal participation of Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, who is expected to officially open the inaugural Games in Split and welcome diplomats and international guests.

Organisers expect participants from Croatian communities worldwide, including recreational athletes, Paralympians, representatives of the Church, Croatian war veterans and friends of Croatia from countries with significant Croatian populations.

Special guests will include the Split-based group “Bili tići” – children with Down syndrome recognised for their inclusive sports programmes – as well as Croatian Paralympians and the Muzej sporta Split, highlighting the Games’ strong emphasis on inclusion.

Due to the long-standing sister-city relationship between Split and Los Angeles, representatives from Los Angeles County are also expected to attend.

At the same time, efforts are underway to strengthen ties between Osijek-Baranja County and Los Angeles County ahead of Slavonia’s hosting role in 2027.

The programme will span five days:

16 July – Opening Ceremony
Official inauguration at Galerija Meštrović in Split.

17 July – Milna, Island of Brač
Tennis, table tennis, pickleball, beach volleyball, bocce, five-a-side football and basketball competitions.

18 July – Split
Golf, stand-up paddleboarding and rugby events.

19 July – Culture and Sport Day
Visit to the Muzej sporta Split, city tours and an exhibition football match between veterans of HNK Hajduk Split and Croatian diaspora players.

20 July – Closing Ceremony
Hosted at Veleučilište Aspira, featuring an exhibition by Družba “Braća Hrvatskoga Zmaja” marking the 1100th anniversary of the Croatian Kingdom.

The New York-based Croatian émigré poetry group will present its 25th poetry collection, followed by a formal medal and awards ceremony.

More than a one-off summer gathering, the Croatian Diaspora Friendship Games are envisioned as a permanent bridge connecting continents, generations and experiences.

Screenshot

Through sport, culture and structured international cooperation, the Games aim to strengthen Croatian identity, foster economic and institutional collaboration, and build enduring partnerships between the homeland and its global diaspora.

Organisation and International Support

Partner organisations include:

Croatian Club for International Cooperation UN NY
Association of Croatian American Professionals (ACAP)
CroDiaspora
Družba Braća Hrvatskoga Zmaja
Hrvatska bratska zajednica
Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce
National Federation of Croatian American Cultural Foundation
Rotary Club Split Plus
Majestic Film
International Croatian Artists Association (ICAN)
Arts Association Australia Inc.
Billich Museum and Gallery
Arts Villa
Billich Gallery
G2 Meeting
Lira d.o.o.
Rudan
Veleučilište Aspira
Muzej sporta Split
Općina Milna
MAG Production Hrvatska
KUDŽ Filip Dević
Centro agrotécnico regional de Venado Tuerto

The project will be followed by two Melbourne-based radio stations – Hrvatski Radio Ponos Melbourne and Hrvatski Radio Program 97.1 FM Melbourne – as well as Zvuci Hrvatske Radio program Calgary and the Bar Croata from Argentina.

The initiative has also been joined by Vinarija Bura Mrgudić from Pelješac and Bakus vina Dubrovnik, while confirmation is expected from Grgić Vina.

The official host of the Games is Veleučilište Aspira.