Almost exactly one year ago, in the town of Punat on the island of Krk, DaddyHood Europe organized the first Dadathlon race event. The strict measures to contain the coronavirus pandemic were still in force, so the event consisted of a symbolic opening ceremony that brought together 10 parents and their children, who participated in a race along the Punat promenade. Despite the cold weather and wind, the gathered families enjoyed a great day in which they could feel the exciting reward of being together with their children.
Last year’s Daddyhood Dadathlon races took place in three stages:
- April 17th to 24th: Running with kids
- June 20th to 27th: Cycling with kids
- September 19th to 26th: Trekking with kids
Last year, 500 dads applied for Dadathlon from 26 countries worldwide for the virtual competition.
The 2021 Daddyhood Dadathlon edition was held virtually and to allow flexibility to participants, each event was open for participation for one whole week. The races were conceived for individual teams (one father with his child/ren). It was possible to team up with other fathers and their children, to motivate each other and have even more fun, but each team member had to complete the full distance of the race. Participants were able to choose to take part in only one or two races but to complete the full Daddyhood Dadathlon, they needed to compete in all three races/disciplines.
However, it is worth noting that last year’s Dadathlon festival actually took place all over the world, as 500 dads applied for Dadathlon from 26 countries worldwide for the virtual competition. Hundreds of parents shared their photos on Instagram and Facebook using the hashtag #DaddyHoodDadathlon and #DaddyHoodEurope to show off the good times they had exercising with their children during last year’s competition.
TCN was at the opening of the first Dadathlon competition last year.
Now, this year, the Dadathlon festival will be celebrated in a big way and again in Punat. On this occasion, the Dadathlon Festival will feature local and diverse events for fathers, mothers, and their children in the town located southeast on the island of Krk. In addition, this year’s event is approved by the EU Commission, following the successful application of Daddyhood Europe for funds from the European Union, which corroborates the exemplary organization, mission, and vision of the non-profit organization. The main event will take place on April 30 from 9:30 am in front of the Falkensteiner Hotel Park in Punat, on the island of Krk.
And who is behind the Dadathlon Festival? Daddyhood Europe is a nonprofit organization founded by Marino Manzoni from Croatia, and Thomas Pickelner from Sweden. Their goal is to raise awareness about the importance of active fatherhood and its role in the development of their children. According to Marino, who has organized both Dadathlon Festivals in his hometown of Punat, ”the main part of the festival is the Dadathlon RUN, a 3km race by the sea for dads and children, accompanied by many fun activities for dads, moms, and children”. The festival is held with the support of the Municipality and the Tourist Board of Punat and is co-financed by the Erasmus + program, which is why participation is completely free.
”The kids will be able to try their hand at various sports and creative activities such as archery, table tennis, athletics, football, and karate, or join robotics or music workshops. They will also have a theatrical play and an inflatable castle!”, added Marino.
Marino Manzoni from Croatia, and Thomas Pickelner from Sweden, are the founders of DaddyHood Europe.
”And what about moms? “We haven’t forgotten about moms who will be able to relax and attend fragrant salt workshops and enjoy Gin’o clock socializing and relaxing in the mom’s corner”. Mom’s corner, continuously throughout the day, will include:
- “Mom, how are you?” Talking about motherhood, by Nina Čikeš Stegić and Daria Mladenović.
- Presentation of the book “The Storyteller”, by Martina Frka Milotić.
- Presentation of products and work of the association Women for the Island, by Jovana Čutul, Picolla Stella, and Miau couture
- Gin’o clock: socializing and relaxing with Kusshhh (Monika Kovač and Nives Matić)
- Workshop for making fragrant bath salts, with Almond natural cosmetics
- Mindfulness and breathing exercises, with Ivana Host.
In addition to the race and activities, this year’s Dadathlon will feature a diverse gastronomic offer, and surely the highlight of the day will be the premiere of the documentary Daddyhood Adventure, produced by Marino and Thomas, which they recorded last year during their tour of the island of Krk with their 2-year-old children, and which seeks to raise awareness of the inevitable role of fathers in raising their children.
Daddyhood Adventure is a documentary made by DaddyHood Europe, in which Marino and Thomas explore not only the island of Krk, but also the importance of their role as parents in their children’s lives.
And not only that, but this year’s Dadathlon Festival also has a charitable side, and they will make boxes available for voluntary donations, which will be destined for the Krijesnica association, which provides support and help to children and families facing malicious childhood diseases.
To apply to the Dadathlon RUN race, you can register at this LINK.
To register your children in the workshops, send an email to [email protected].
The complete program of this year’s Dadathlon Festival is as follows:
09:30 – Gathering in front of the Falkensteiner Hotel Park in Punat.
10:00 – Opening of the festival and registration for the race for dads and children.
10:30 to 11:30 – Dadathlon RUN – 3km race by the sea.
12:00 to 12:30 – Telling stories for the youngest (Pčelica Nenica).
12:00 to 13:00 – Football for dads and children / Athletics (Atletski klub Krk).
14:00 to 14:45 – Archery 10-18 years (Maura Kal) / Robotics workshops 5-9 years (Stelaris).
15:00 to 15:45 – Sports workshop 4+ years (School of Sports ZVRK) / Music Workshop 4-7 years (Creative Krk).
16:00 to 16:45 – Karate 5-13 years (Karate Club Krk) / Majorettes 3-15 years (Majorettes of the island of Krk).
17:00 to 18:30 – Drama-stage workshop “Play with your body, animate your fingers” – Dad’s picture book.
19:30 to 20:00 – End of the program and presentation of the film.
20:00 to 21:00 – Premiere of the documentary “Daddyhood Adventure”.
Total Croatia News invites all dads from Croatia, from the Croatian diaspora, expats in Croatia, and from all over the world to participate in this year’s Dadathlon Festival to spend valuable time with their children and family, have an unforgettable experience, and enjoy all that the wonderful island of Krk has to offer.
In case of additional questions, you can contact DaddyHood Europe via Facebook messenger or via email at [email protected].
You can find more information on Dadathlon Festival’s Facebook event.
For more Daddyhood Europe news and content, follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
For more about lifestyle in Croatia, visit our dedicated TCN page.
