With courage, steadfastness and your example, you testify that there are no obstacles and that it is possible, regardless of the circumstances, with commitment and persistence, to overcome any temptation and make dreams come true, said President Jakov Milatović at the farewell of the Montenegrin Paralympic team to the Paris Games.
He emphasized that the opportunity to represent his country at the Paralympic Games is a moment that will remain inscribed not only in the history of Montenegrin Paralympics, but also as one of the proudest moments in his career and life.
"We are aware that the effort put in and the results achieved require exceptional dedication, behind which are years of hard work and sacrifice, but also moments of doubt. However, your determination, support of the team, family, and self-belief overcame all those challenges. That's why and the obligation of the state to recognize the problems you face, to support you and improve the sports infrastructure, so that you can develop your skills and achieve top results," said Milatović.
He presented the Montenegrin flag to table tennis player Luka Bakić and athlete Maja Rajković, which they will wear at the opening ceremony of the Games in Paris.
In addition to Bakić and Rajković, the Montenegrin sport of people with disabilities will be represented by table tennis player Filip Radović and archer Milan Đinović.
"Dear Majo, dear Luka, the flag that I am handing you on behalf of Montenegro, may it be a source of pride and inspiration for you, to encourage you to do your best, achieve your goal and make us all happy. Our dear Paralympians, Majo, Luka, Filipe and Milan, just participating in the Paralympic Games is already a great achievement and satisfaction, and when you go to the battlefield, perform bravely and courageously, defending the colors of our Montenegro, and we will follow and support you with all our hearts," said Milatović.
The President of the Paralympic Committee, Igor Tomić, thanked everyone who contributed to the Paralympic team being ready, perhaps never ready, to travel to the Games in Paris.
"From this place I want, not out of social responsibility, courtesy and gratitude, to give you a special recognition. You have proven not as managers and companies, but as people how you fight for this movement and our friendship, how as a socially responsible family you think about with these things and how you facilitate our path to the stars such as the Paris Games", said Tomić.
He also addressed the athletes and wished them to achieve their best results in Paris and represent their country in a dignified way, as always before.
Tomić, addressing Filip Radović, said that in Paris he should be a motivation for himself, but also for the other members of the Paralympic team.
"All that we have created for decades in POK, we created together, because we are a family and a team. For this reason, because of those who trod the thorny paths from Sav Blagojević, Drago Tomović, the legendary Čarli Nikolić, Veselin Vuković, Marijana Goranović, Radmila Baranina and all of you, but also for the sake of Iskra, Igor and Nikola and future generations, we must continue together. That's why in Paris, Los Angeles and Brisbane, with us and after us, we will continue together," said Tomić.
The debutante at the Games in Paris, Maja Rajković, said that it was a great honor for her to carry the flag with Bakić at the ceremonial parade.
"It's a great honor for me and my family, I'm overjoyed. We worked hard and I'm satisfied with my form. There are still a few things that need to be arranged for everything to be in order. In my category, everything depends on the condition of the body on the day of the competition." Rajkovic said.
Speaking about her expectations from the Games in Paris, she said that she believes in herself and her best result.
"We will see where it will take me, that is, for which ranking it will be enough, in Paris," said Rajković.
Bakić, who is performing at the Paralympic Games for the second time, thanked everyone who came to the ceremony to wish them luck in Paris.
"If someone had told me ten years ago that I would carry the flag at the opening of the games, I would have told them they were crazy. The competition is extremely strong, I am expecting a quality tournament. As for expectations, I want to play a good tournament and my best table tennis." said Bakic.
On Monday, the Montenegrin delegation will travel from Tivat, via Vienna, to Paris, where the Paralympic Games will be officially opened on August 28.
See more:
Download the app and follow the news
FOLLOW US ON
