The creator of the Ulcinj Friendship World Cup, Pavle Pepđonović, is also officially a candidate for the Thirteenth of July Award, the highest state award awarded in honor of the Statehood Day of Montenegro, as an annual or lifetime achievement award.
Pepđonović's candidacy was supported by more than 1.000 athletes, sports workers and journalists from Montenegro and countries in the region.
Among the signatories are Olympic champions and numerous medalists from European and world championships, led by former Montenegrin water polo player and coach Vladimir Gojković.
Pepđonović, the main initiator of the event, is a businessman from Ulcinj, a former basketball player and sports worker.
The Friendship World Cup is a sports event that has brought together more than a thousand football players, athletes and sports workers from the former SFR Yugoslavia in Ulcinj for the past three years.
The guests of the southernmost Montenegrin municipality were numerous athletes who wore the jersey and won medals at the most important international competitions under the auspices of the former state.
Pepđonović thanked everyone who nominated and proposed him for Montenegro's highest state award, the Thirteenth of July Award, stating that the Friendship World Cup is not just one man.
"It is a cultural-sports-life mission in which from the first day of its launch and creation there was no first, there was never an 'I', but always 'we' - the entire nation of representatives. The Friendship World Cup is a way of life for the citizens of Ulcinj and Montenegro, it was created and launched on the foundations of great love, emotion and respect," said Pepđonović.
He emphasized that the event was supported by the entire community of the Municipality of Ulcinj from the first day of its inception and that there is not an individual or family in Gad that has not given support and trust.
"Because of all this, this event is unique and special, the participation of the entire community made it develop in that format. We are proud and happy that the Friendship World Cup is flowing like a river throughout Montenegro, the region, Europe and the world today," said Pepđonović.
He emphasized that their mission from day one was friendship, love, respect, tolerance and peace.
"Strong messages were sent from Ulcinj and Montenegro to children and young people around the world to make sport their choice in life. Special attention and emphasis at the third World Cup were given to Paralympics. In the previous three years, recognitions have come from the entire region, and we have received and raised each recognition on behalf of all of us," said Pepđonović.
He emphasized that special gratitude is owed to the World Cup ambassadors, athletes, coaches, media, journalists, sports officials and sports federations.
"Good luck to everyone, sport is our nationality. ALL WE NEED IS LOVE," concluded Pepđonović.
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