What began in 2013 as a modest sports gathering among friends has grown into one of Gorski Kotar's most recognizable summer events, with 59 active association members and a unique discipline, drvomet.
The residents of Gerovo are not exaggerating when they say they schedule their annual leave around the date of the 'Bijeli miš' (White Mouse). In this Gorski Kotar settlement, the beginning of August has been dedicated for over a decade to an event that draws nearly all locals, expatriates who return just for the occasion, their friends, and numerous guests.
'Bijeli miš' transcends the boundaries of a sports day. It serves as a call to gather, to renew old ties, and as proof that a small community can become exceptionally vibrant when everyone contributes. The twelfth edition of the event took place on August 1, 2026, with the evening program headlined by the Rijeka-based band Grooversi, who kept hundreds of visitors of all ages on the dance floor until the early hours.
The story began in 2013, driven by a few friends' desire to make summer in Gerovo more engaging. The first Gerovo Sports Day was simple but encouraging, small-sided football, bocce, and table tennis, followed by a party with music. It turned out to be exactly what the place needed.
Over the years, the event grew, and so did the list of disciplines. Today, participants can try their hand at small-sided football, bocce, table tennis, chess, darts, tug-of-war, stone throwing from the shoulder, graničar (a local ball game), volleyball with water balloons, 'daskanje' (a local game), a hiking trip, and the most unusual attraction, drvomet. The organization is led by the 'Bijeli miš' Association, which boasts 59 active members, each investing their free time into the event's success.
Those hearing about drvomet for the first time are by no means an exception. This game was devised by the Association's members and involves throwing a piece of wood at a model of the White Mouse. The most successful competitors earn the title of 'palijnar', a word in the Gorski Kotar dialect meaning a split piece of wood, and receive a unique sculpture of the White Mouse as a prize. The sculpture is crafted each year by a local artist.
The most intriguing part of the story is not related to sports. In the early years, the event was simply called the Gerovo Sports Day. Only over time did the name 'Bijeli miš' emerge among organizers and participants. According to local lore, some competitors were notably more 'successful' during the nighttime part of the program than on the daytime sports fields, which gave rise to an inside joke about a mysterious White Mouse.
The organizers are fond of telling an anecdote that perfectly captures the essence of the whole affair. A priest once asked a local: 'What is the Bijeli miš?' The resident replied: 'It's hard to explain. But if you come and stay with us all day and all night, you might get lucky and see it.' In that answer lies perhaps the core of the entire philosophy of this event.
Preparations last for months, with a clear goal, to design a program for all generations. Children have games and creative workshops, adults have sports competitions, hikers have an organized trip, and visitors can view presentations by the HGSS Delnice Station and the Čabar Red Cross Society. A free meal is provided for all participants, with no entry fee.
The daytime program concludes with an impressive torchlight procession that paints the Gerovo sky red. For many, it marks the symbolic end of the sports part and the beginning of nighttime entertainment that stretches into the early morning. In an era when many smaller places seek ways to preserve community spirit and vitality, Gerovo has found its answer. It's called, Bijeli miš.
