Cinkarna Celje – Part of the Success Story of ŽKK Cinkarna Celje

Cinkarna Celje as the general sponsor is part of the success story of the Women’s Basketball Club Cinkarna Celje (ŽKK CC), which this year celebrates the 30th anniversary of its independent operation. The anniversary was marked by the opening of a permanent exhibition on November 20, 2024, in the home court at Gimnazija Celje-Center. The exhibition showcases the rich history of women’s basketball in Celje, features a “Hall of Fame,” and is open to all visitors attending club games. The exhibition’s creation is the result of our mutual effort with the club and the Municipality of Celje.

The ceremonial opening of the exhibition was attended and addressed by notable guests: Nikolaja Podgoršek Selič, Technical Director and Management Board Member of Cinkarna Celje; Matija Kovač, Mayor of the Municipality of Celje; Franjo Bobinac, President of the Slovenian Olympic Committee; Borut Kop, President of ŽKK CC; and others.

ŽKK Cinkarna Celje is the most successful women’s basketball club in Slovenia, having achieved remarkable successes both domestically and internationally. Over the past 30 years, ŽKK CC reached 996 victories, won 20 national championship titles, played 1,259 games, named the best women’s team in Celje 10 times, ...  Basketball in Celje has been played for already 77 years. With nearly half a century Women's Basketball Club was part of the combined Basketball Club Celje. A pivotal role in establishing the independent Women's basketball Club was played by Franci Ramšak and a group of like-minded individuals who, in 1994, decided to separate from the men’s club, laying the foundation for the independent operation of the Women’s Basketball Club.

For many years, Cinkarna Celje has supported the club, contributing to the development of the club, women’s basketball, and young talented players. In the past eight years, this support has been elevated through our role as the general sponsor of ŽKK CC. In 2017, the club was officially renamed ŽKK Cinkarna Celje. At Cinkarna Celje, we look optimistically toward the club’s future and remain committed to maintaining our role and support. We are proud to be part of a mosaic of success that is not taken for granted but is the result of perseverance, passion, dedication, and clear vision.

Photo: A. Purg & D. Kunst