National Team Day is a sports celebration organized by the Ministry of Sports to recognize the results achieved and support the efforts of athletes in representing the national team in the future, said Minister Dragoslav Šćekić.
The Sports Fair, organized on the occasion of the National Team Day, brought together 37 sports federations, as well as the Montenegrin Olympic and Paralympic Committees, who presented their athletes, activities and achievements at their stands.
Those present had the opportunity to observe or participate in sports presentations, and even the youngest tried their hand at the fields and arenas.
It was announced that the goal of the event is to promote sports and representative values through interactive activities and socializing with athletes.
Šćekić said that sports are an area where victories bring special joy and happiness, and defeats are not painful like in other spheres of life.
"That's why sport is important, almost as much as life itself, and athletes are especially valued in every society. The performances of the best athletes under the national flag are representative, and getting to the national jersey is most often a long and arduous journey, made of a lot of effort and sweat. The country recognizes your dedication and desire to represent it in the best possible way. We will know how to appreciate that," said Šćekić.
He pointed out that the national team is the best selection of a country, consisting of athletes who are national team members.
"They know the feeling of the anthem and the roar from the stands when successes are celebrated. That feeling of exaltation and pride is probably something special. Something that a national team member remembers for their entire life. The national team is a sacred place that brings together its sports children, and the Ministry of Sports and Youth will continue to organize the National Team Day that spreads national pride," said Šćekić.
The President of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, Dušan Simonović, believes that celebrating National Team Day is the best way to strengthen the spirit of true Olympism and the cult of the national team.
"This event brings together a lot of young people who have yet to decide to play sports and choose their sport. It's a great opportunity to meet some legends of some sports and talk to them. I think it motivates and is very good for the development of sports and Olympism. That's why I think we should persevere with this, to make it more popular every year, so that as many young people as possible can play sports and dream of wearing the national team jersey," said Simonović.
The head of the Montenegrin Paralympic movement, Igor Tomić, said that there is no more beautiful thing a nation can have than the relationship and pride offered by the national team jersey.
"I had the privilege with my athletes, for 20 years and more, to experience on big stages across the world what it means to wear a jersey with the national emblem. I am very glad that National Team Day in Montenegro is becoming a strong tradition, and we sports workers and athletes must continue to work on strengthening the cult of the national team," said Tomić.
The event was graced by numerous coaches and athletes, who won medals at major international competitions.
The President of the Volleyball Federation, Nikola Kažić, said that it is the greatest honor for every athlete to defend the colors of their country.
"Sport is the best representation of the country, and our country certainly provides serious support to all federations that want to organize major competitions. In about twenty days, the Judo Federation will host the best European judokas, which will pave the way for volleyball in 2028," said Kažić.
He emphasized that this is very important for Montenegro, not only in the field of sports, but also for its tourism offer.
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