The Prime Minister of Montenegro, Milojko Spajić, hosted a reception for the Montenegrin women's handball team, who won the silver medal at the Under-18 World Championship.
This is the best result in the history of the Montenegrin women's handball junior categories. The medal came a year after the bronze medal won at the European Championship in Podgorica.
Prime Minister Spajić congratulated the "lionesses" on their historic success.
"There are victories that are measured by goals. And there are victories that are measured by what a country learns when it watches its children on the world podium," the Prime Minister said.
He pointed out that success is not accidental or a one-time thing, but rather a continuation of an ongoing story.
"Step by step. Medal by medal. A generation that doesn't stop. Limited resources, fewer clubs, fewer opportunities — all of that was no excuse. It was just the beginning of a story about character, your character that must be a lesson to the entire society, especially in finalizing our efforts and proving that we have a place in the society of the most developed European countries," said the Prime Minister.
He particularly referred to the words of handball player Sofija Delević, spoken after the final, that the country was united because of the "lions" games.
"I truly believe that this is the recipe - finding a common goal. Sport is the way, and the European Union is the path, and this is the fundamental policy that I am guided by as Prime Minister. I want us to forget everything that divides us and focus on what unites us. Sofija recognized the importance of this at the age of 18. We, the older ones, sometimes forget that. That is why I am glad that her words are a reminder to us," Spajić emphasized.
The Government of Montenegro will, as announced by the Prime Minister, task the Ministry of Finance with paying the handball team and the coaching staff a one-time payment of around 60.000 euros for their great success, in addition to legally prescribed scholarships for promising female athletes.
Minister of Sports and Youth Zoran Jojić assessed that the silver medal from the World Championship is an achievement worthy of all respect.
"I know how much work, effort, talent, sacrifice and discipline it takes to achieve such a result. This silver is a great success, but for this generation the most important thing is yet to come. I wish you much success on the path ahead, and I am sure that you will bring home gold from one of the upcoming championships!" said Minister Jojić, congratulating the handball players, coach Miloš Perović and the President of the Handball Federation, Petar Kapisoda.
National team captain Anđelina Orbović thanked the team for their support.
"We knew we were a small country. But we showed on the field that big dreams don't require a big country — you need a big heart. We won the silver medal, but also something much bigger – respect, pride and a place in the history of Montenegrin handball," said Orbović and made a point as on the handball field:
"Thank you Montenegro for believing in us. We promise to continue to work, to dream and to fight for this jersey. Because we believe that this is not the end of our story. This is just the beginning!"
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
