The Assembly of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee (COC) confirmed the Boxing Federation (BSCG)'s status as a full member of the umbrella sports association of Montenegro.
The first regular session of the MOC Assembly was held in Podgorica today, with the presence of representatives of national sports federations, members of the Board of Directors, sports authorities and guests.
The session was chaired by the President of the MOC, Dušan Simonović, and the members of the Working Presidency, besides him, were Ljiljana Vučević and Đuro Marić.
As announced by the MOC, at the very beginning, the Assembly declared itself on the status of BSCG, which met all formal and program criteria, including joining the relevant international boxing association.
"The Assembly confirmed their status as full members of the MOC, which created the conditions for establishing the mandates of their delegates," the statement said.
The Director of the National Anti-Doping Organization of Austria and President of the Central European Anti-Doping Organization - CEADO, Mihael Čepić, reportedly spoke at the session about the obligations of athletes and sports organizations in the fight against doping.
"It was highlighted that Montenegro is included in the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) mentoring program, in which NADA Austria provides expert support to the National Anti-Doping Commission," the statement said.
Čepić praised the cooperation with the Anti-Doping Commission of Montenegro, led by its director Neda Ojdanić.
"His exceptional commitment, as well as his professional and open cooperation with our institutions, are a strong contribution to the development of the national anti-doping system," the statement said.
Ojdanić, as announced, shared her first insights into this complex field.
"Good cooperation with international partners, commitment to the development of clean sport in Montenegro, and the rapid inclusion of the national team in key activities were highlighted," said the MOC.
The Assembly unanimously adopted new Rules of Procedure, which regulate in detail the rules of operation, including the possibility of holding electronic sessions and online voting in emergency cases.
It is stated that the Financial Report for 2024 was also adopted, which received a positive opinion from the independent auditor and the Supervisory Board, without objections.
"The Financial Plan for 2025 was also presented, according to which a significant part of the budget, around 57 percent, will be directly and indirectly dedicated to supporting sports organizations, coaches and athletes," the statement said.
It is stated that these funds will be directed towards preparations and training camps, development programs, improving knowledge and skills through educational programs, scholarships and financial support for athletes and sports organizations, direct support for activities and projects of national federations, activities aimed at athletes, as well as participation in competitions from the Olympic calendar (winter and summer EYOF and the Games of the Small States of Europe).
MOC President Dušan Simonović said that this year's plan brings a balance between top-level sport and investments in the foundations of the system, i.e. in youth, coaches, the health of athletes and fair conditions for all.
"There is no strong Olympic movement without strong institutions and security for those who represent us," said Simonović.
The Assembly adopted reports on the participation in the Winter EYOF in Bakuriani (Georgia), prepared by Head of Mission Marina Kosić Radović, the performance at the Games of the Small States of Europe in Andorra, prepared by Head of Mission Ivan Bošković, and the preparations for the Summer EYOF in Skopje (North Macedonia), prepared by Head of Mission Predrag Marsenić.
The MOC Assembly, which as of today has 54 members, after verifying the status of the BSCG and confirming the mandates of their representatives, of which 39 members attended the session, clearly stated that the report on the Olympic Games in Paris had already been presented and discussed at the previous session, in accordance with the agenda item and the rules of procedure.
"This confirmed that all relevant data and assessments were made available to members of the Assembly in a timely manner," the statement added.
Members of the Assembly called for continued constructive action and strengthening shared responsibility for improving the sports system, with the message that the Montenegrin Olympic Committee remains committed to transparency, development and support for athletes.
"In this regard, the Assembly's conclusion is that sport requires seriousness, continuity and commitment from all stakeholders in the system and that energy should be directed towards the future, towards better conditions for athletes and strengthening the Olympic movement as a whole," the statement said.
The Assembly unanimously adopted the new Rules of Procedure of the Arbitration Body of the MOC, which define the jurisdiction, protection of rights and a transparent arbitration process in accordance with international standards.
The Assembly unanimously approved the admission of the following associations to the membership of the MOC - Cycling Association, Triathlon Association, Golf Association and Muay Thai Association. Simonović congratulated the new members and emphasized the importance of working together on the development of sports in Montenegro.
"I am particularly pleased that we have introduced new members to our Olympic family today. It is a sign of the growth and integration of sports, but also of our openness and readiness to support all those who work seriously and dedicatedly," said Simonović.
As he said, today's session is another indicator that the MOC is a serious, responsible and transparent organization that strategically builds the sports system, listening to the needs of athletes and federations.
"I believe that this year's results will show that we did not plan to "fill in the blanks", but to leave a mark," Simonović concluded.
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