History
The organisation of Slovene paraplegics and quadriplegics was founded in Ljubljana on 16 April 1969. It was named the Section of Paraplegics and Quadriplegics of Slovenia. After four years of dedication and hard work, the Section evolved on 20 September 1973 into the Society of Paraplegics of Slovenia, with an extended and broadened scope of responsibilities and jurisdictions. However, already six years later, the rapid development of the Society called for reorganisation.
As a result, on 21 November 1979, the Slovenian Paraplegic Association with nine regional associations was instituted. The organisational form has not changed since. Currently, regional associations consist of 1,092 members while 1,116.
had passed away during the period of the present-day manifestation of the Association. On an annual basis roughly 37 new members join regional associations while 33 members pass on.
The initiator of the institution of the Association and its first President was Ivan Peršak, who was in charge of the organisation until the Electoral Assembly on 14 May 2008. After thirty-nine extremely successful years behind the wheel Mr. Peršak was succeeded by his deputy Mr. Dane Kastelic. The Assembly also seized the opportunity to appoint Mr. Ivan Peršak the honorary president of the Slovenian Paraplegic Association. On 23 March 2011, Ivan Peršak died following a serious illness. In memoriam, the Association organised already in the first year following his passing a wheelchair basketball tournament which was dubbed the “Peršak Memorial.” It is held annually after the conclusion of the national league and hosts all Slovene squads.