Sport knows no borders, religion, or nation, it only knows respect, fair play, and a common goal, said the President of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee (COK), Dušan Simonović.
At the ceremony marking Olympic Day, he said that the day should be more than a holiday and a reminder that unity and solidarity are the strongest medals a society can win.
Olympic Day is celebrated around the world in honor of the founding of the International Olympic Committee and symbolizes the universal values of sport - solidarity, unity, respect and friendship.
It was announced that this year, a special focus was placed on the inclusion of children, athletes, coaches, as well as stateless children and children from migrant communities, in cooperation with UNHCR.
Simonović said that in recent years we have witnessed the world showing divisions, injustices and uncertainties.
According to him, that's why it's important for Olympic Day to remind everyone of what unites them.
"In every child who grabs the ball today, in every applause and in every smile, we recognize the same message: together we are stronger. The Olympic spirit is not reserved only for the biggest arenas and medals. It lives here among us on the fields, playgrounds and school halls across Montenegro. It lives in every coach who believes, in every parent who cheers, and in every child who dreams," said Simonović.
He emphasized that the Montenegrin Olympic Committee sees sport as the foundation of a society in which children are safe and supported to become who they are.
"We believe in a society in which sport does not choose but accepts, protects and shapes every child, without fear and without obstacles. A society in which we will together develop new programs for youth, invest in health and education and prepare our athletes for the world's greatest challenges," said Simonović.
He announced that, on the occasion of Olympic Day, the MOC donated 10.000 euros to the Clinical Center of Montenegro, an institution that takes care of health on a daily basis and the only institution in the country that provides tertiary-level health care.
"The CEC, as the bearer and promoter of the universal values of Olympism, and the Clinical Center, as a pillar of the Montenegrin healthcare system, share the same mission - commitment to social responsibility, healthy lifestyles, care for future generations and building a more humane society. Our cooperation symbolizes the connection between sport and health, between a body that moves and a society that cares," said Simonović.
Head of UNHCR's office in Podgorica, Stefani Kraus, said that the joint initiative with MOC shows how important sport can be a powerful tool for inclusion, protection and resilience - especially for refugee children and children at risk of statelessness.
"This year's Refugee Day calls for global solidarity. It reminds us that refugees are not forgotten. That they are not alone, that we are here to support and welcome them," said Kraus.
She pointed out that sports empower children, teach them teamwork, promote well-being, and restore a sense of normalcy.
"Montenegro has been showing solidarity with refugees for more than three decades, and today is another example of that welcoming spirit," said Kraus.
According to her, the smiles seen on the children's faces are true proof of what inclusion means.
"Let's continue to invest in compassion, in shared experiences, and in the values that connect us. In sports, there are no boundaries - there are only opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive," said Kraus.
Director General of the Directorate for Youth and Cooperation with NGOs at the Ministry of Sports and Youth, Darko Stojanović, recalled that Olympic Day commemorates June 23, 1894, when the International Olympic Committee was founded at the Congress at the Sorbonne in Paris.
"Today reminds us of the beginning of the modern era in the history of sports, that is, it is a day that represents a symbol of the modern Olympic idea, mutual respect and friendship among athletes, and I dare say among nations. On this day, the foundations were laid for a new era of sports competitions, an era that in a special way erases borders and differences, establishes connections between nations, but also strengthens the threads that are quickly emerging in the modern era," said Stojanović.
He emphasized that sport is the best corrective factor, and in Olympism everything is explained.
"The Government of Montenegro stands firmly on these foundations, and the Ministry of Sports is implementing the policy of building a peaceful sports house, guided by the Olympic Charter," concluded Stojanović.
Secretary of the Secretariat for Sports of the Capital City, Darko Nikčević, said that by marking Olympic Day today, more than ever, we are reminded of the power of sport to unite, inspire and motivate for a healthy life, filled with the ideals it promotes.
"I am especially pleased that this year's event is dedicated to inclusion and equal opportunities for all children, in cooperation with UNHCR. I thank MOC for the donation to KCCG, it is a strong message that sport, in addition to strengthening the body, also builds a healthy community," said Nikčević.
He emphasized that Olympic Day is an opportunity to support Montenegrin sports, celebrate successes, and inspire new generations to live and train in the spirit of fair play.
As part of the Olympic Day celebration, which was held under the motto Get Moving, "mini Olympic Games" for children and numerous fun activities were organized.
The youngest competed in games of hot chair, Dude, Don't Get Angry, Olympic puzzle, and a plank challenge was also organized.
Prizes were provided for the most successful and most persistent, and all participants had the opportunity to talk and meet numerous Montenegrin national team members, some of whom are medalists from European and World Championships and the Olympic Games.
The Olympic Day celebration was organized by the MOC, with the support of Olympic Solidarity and the Capital City, and in cooperation with UNHCR and the Ministry of Sports and Youth.
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