Project Management Sustainability PolicyThe Project Management Sustainability Policy proposal was prepared by FSI prior to the kick-off meeting, and consequently reviewed. Discussions among partners highlighted the importance of compensating for CO2 impacts, particularly for long-distance travel, through actions such as supporting local communities, non-profits, and similar initiatives. The partners provided few suggestions to refine the policy before successfully finalising it. Collection of Good Practices TemplateOPES introduced a draft template for collecting and sharing good practices. Partners were encouraged to provide feedback to refine the template, which was successfully finalized and prepared for dissemination. This initiative aims to document and share actionable strategies to benefit target groups across the project’s focus areas. Survey Cooperation ModelsOPES also presented a comprehensive overview of the survey, building on the initial discussions held during the kick-off meeting and consequent online meetings. With this research the consortium aims to strengthen the resilience of the sports movement and to foster inclusion of the most vulnerable groups to enable them to participate in sport and physical activity on an ongoing basis, even and especially in times of crisis. The survey is now finalised for public institutions and sport organisations. Interview for Target Groups100% Sport introduced the objectives and approach for conducting interviews with vulnerable target groups. The interviews aim to collect valuable insights into the needs and experiences of these groups. Importantly, these findings will serve as the foundation for the WP4 deliverable, namely the digital portraits gallery.To ensure a structured approach, the consensus was reached to feature photo + quote as the format for the gallery, combining visual storytelling with personal reflections. The interview is now translated in all the partner languages, and ready to kick-off the data collection. Next stepsOn the occasion of this last meeting of the year, NOC Croatia presented their idea of the cooperation model, as partners are expected to test the model of cooperation in years 2025 and 2026.Now that all the deliverables of the Work Package 2 are finalised, year 2025 is dedicated to the data collection using the previously mentioned research tools.The next in-person project meeting will be held in the Netherlands, with the exact date yet to be confirmed. However the partners will continue gathering for their monthly online meetings in the meantime.This progress reflects the collaborative spirit of the project and sets the stage for impactful outcomes coming in the remaining 2 years of the project.

Since the kick-off meeting in the Azores, significant progress has been made on key aspects of the SURE project, as highlighted in the partner meetings. Below is a summary of the finalized developments in 2024:

SURE Project yearly summary

The Croatian Olympic Committee, as one of the partners in the OCEAN Project, took part in a series of meetings and workshops held from December 3 to December 5, 2024, in Prague. These events brought together representatives from National Olympic Committees across Europe to review progress, share experiences, and work collaboratively on sustainable practices in sports.The first part of the meetings, held on December 3, focused on analyzing the current state and challenges faced by National Olympic Committees in implementing measures to reduce carbon emissions. Special attention was given to the development of a new tool for measuring carbon footprints, which will enable more accurate monitoring and planning of emissions related to organizing sports events. Additionally, discussions covered innovative approaches to involving athletes as sustainability ambassadors and aligning sponsorship agreements with sustainability goals.The workshops held on December 4 and 5 emphasized the development and monitoring of strategies to reduce emissions. Participants discussed best practices, potential barriers, and ways to improve communication on the importance of sustainability. The need to integrate sustainable practices into the daily operations of sports organizations was highlighted, along with a focus on transparent monitoring and regular evaluation of results.Participants also addressed the broader global context of climate change and its impact on sports. Scientific reports underlined the urgency of immediate action to reduce emissions and highlighted the opportunities presented by climate transitions for the development of sports and broader communities.The Croatian Olympic Committee is actively contributing to the goals of the OCEAN Project and proudly emphasizes its commitment to developing the tools, strategies, and education necessary to reduce the carbon footprint. Collaboration with other National Olympic Committees and the exchange of knowledge are essential foundations for achieving sustainable changes that will benefit the entire sports sector in the long term. Plans for the continuation of the project include:<ul><li>Drafting a carbon reduction strategy (December 2024 – January 2025), including sharing drafts among project partners.</li><li>Securing internal approval of the strategy within each organization (January – February 2025).</li><li>Submitting a 90% finalized strategy to project management (by March 14, 2025).</li><li>Delivering the final version of the strategy to the European Commission (by April 25, 2025).</li><li>Developing a communication and launch plan and joining the UN’s "Sports for Climate Action" framework (by April 2025).</li></ul> With this plan, the OCEAN Project continues to lead sustainable initiatives in sports, with the active involvement of the Croatian Olympic Committee in building a more sustainable future for the sports sector.

The Croatian Olympic Committee, as a partner in the OCEAN Project, is involved in developing strategies and tools for reducing the carbon footprint in sports, contributing to a more sustainable future for sports organizations.

Croatian Olympic Committee Participates in the OCEAN Project Meeting in Prague

On the first day, the final conference of the project "Sport as a Value for Our Society" was held, where project partners presented project results. The themes of the European Sport Platform were related to the impact of sport on the EU enlargement process, guidelines for respecting human rights through sport, safeguarding the mental health of young athletes and youth, and match-fixing as a connection between elite and grassroots sport.On the second day, an Executive Board meeting was held, attended by Prof. Dr. Romana Caput-Jogunica, and as a member of the ENGSO Working Group for Women in Sport, Ivana Šamija also participated in the final conference and the EU platform.In 2025, the ENGSO Assembly and EU seminar will be held from June 13 to 15, 2025, in Oslo, and the European Sport Platform will take place from October 23 to 25, 2025, in Barcelona. (hoo/rcj)

Pristina, November 23, 2024 – In cooperation with the Kosovo Olympic Committee and ENGSO (European Organisation for NGOs), the European Sport Platform 2024 was held in Pristina from November 21 to 23, 2024.

European Sport Platform (ENGSO European Sport Platform 2024) held in Kosovo

The tournament, organized by the Croatian Taekwondo Association and the Zagreb Taekwondo Association, is ranked as a G-1 event by the World Taekwondo Federation. This year's competition is under the patronage of the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Croatia, His Excellency Hong Sungwook.The opening ceremony of the tournament was marked by a spectacular performance by the demonstration team from the World Taekwondo Federation headquarters (Kukkiwon – Seoul, Korea), showcasing a wide range of taekwondo techniques. The Kukkiwon demonstration team was met with a standing ovation by the packed Sutinska Vrela Hall.The sports spectacle was further enhanced by distinguished guests from taekwondo and Croatian sports. A special letter of thanks was presented to the Vice President of Kukkiwon, Kabkil Kim. At the same time the President of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Zlatko Mateša, was awarded an honorary 7th-Dan black belt. The honorary 6th-Dan black belt was also presented to the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Hong Sungwook. Additionally, Kukkiwon letters of thanks were awarded to the President of the Croatian Taekwondo Association, Anto Nobilo, and the Secretary General of the Croatian Taekwondo Association, Petar Josipović. The Director of the Olympic Program of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Damir Šegota, accepted the Kukkiwon letter of thanks on behalf of the Secretary General of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Siniša Krajač. The gathering was also addressed by the Vice President of the Croatian Taekwondo Association, Dragan Primorac.Representatives from the top of Zagreb's sports community were also present, including the President of the Sports Federation of the City of Zagreb, Vjekoslav Šafranić, and the President of the Zagreb Taekwondo Association, Danijel Bursać.In the senior competition of the tournament, two Olympic gold medalists from Tokyo will compete: our own Matea Jelić and Anastasia Zolotic from the United States, along with many other top fighters. (hta/hoo/vk)

Zagreb, November 16, 2024&nbsp;– The large international taekwondo tournament, the Korean Ambassador's Cup Croatia Open, is being held at the Sutinska Vrela Hall in Zagreb, with more than 900 competitors and officials from countries all over the world, ranging from Brazil to Korea.

Kukkiwon from Korea awards honorary 7th-Dan black belt to Croatian Olympic Committee President Zlatko Mateša and a letter of thanks to Secretary General Siniša Krajač.

Seven members participated in the session (Barbara Matić, Matea Parlov Koštro, Vedrana Malec, Helena Jurišić, Petar Gorša, Ivan Kvesić, and Natko Zrnčić Dim) out of a total of 11 members, with Blanka Vlašić (a member of the European Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission), Tin Srbić, Marko Bijač, and Filip Glavaš absent due to valid reasons.In addition to reviewing the Commission’s Rules of Procedure and planning activities for the upcoming year, the commission unanimously elected the Paris gold medalist judoka Barbara Matić as its president, based on a written proposal by Tin Srbić. Matić is also a member of the Council and Vice President of the Croatian Olympic Committee.The first session was led by Biserka Vrbek, the Croatian Olympic Committee Director of Legal and Status Affairs, and Hrvoje Balen, Director of the Office for Local Sports Programs, who welcomed the members on behalf of the Croatian Olympic Committee.During the session, the Athletes’ Commission members highlighted issues and concerns affecting Croatian athletes, including scholarship amounts, educational subsidies, recognition of sports excellence, dual careers, and employment opportunities.Ideas and proposals for the activity plan will be submitted electronically over the next ten days, and a second session of the Commission is planned for late November or early December.

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Zagreb, October 29, 2024 – The Athletes’ Commission of the Croatian Olympic Committee for the 2024-2028 term held its founding session at the Croatian Olympic Committee headquarters.

Croatian Olympic Committee Athletes’ Commission 2024-2028 Holds Inaugural Meeting, Barbara Matić Elected President

The meeting brought together all consortium members, fostering a productive dialogue on the project's progress and future directions. Each partner contributed valuable insights, strengthening our collective efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the GUARD project.&nbsp;WP2 System and Structure, Advice and SupportA major focus of our discussions was on the deliverables of Work Package 2 (WP2). We are excited to report that drafts of both documents have been confirmed in collaboration with all national stakeholders of the partners. This collaborative approach ensures that our outcomes are relevant and tailored to the needs of each participating country, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of our safeguarding initiatives.&nbsp;Appointment of Child Safeguarding OfficersIn line with our commitment to child safeguarding, each National Olympic Committee (NOC) has appointed a designated Child Safeguarding Officer. This key role will facilitate the implementation of safeguarding measures and ensure adherence to best practices across all partner organizations, marking a significant milestone in creating a national structure in each partner country.&nbsp;WP3 Educational Modules DevelopmentThe meeting also included an in-depth discussion on the content of the educational modules. The consortium reviewed the proposed curriculum outline and discussed potential module dates, ensuring they align with the needs of our target audience. These modules will serve as vital resources for training and capacity building of national federations, equipping the appointed national federation child safeguarding officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to promote child safeguarding effectively.&nbsp;Next StepsLooking ahead, the next steps involve analysing the submitted WP3 proposals, followed by the allocation of consortium experts to specific topics related to curriculum development. This strategic approach will ensure that our educational materials are both comprehensive and effective. We aim to publish the confirmed dates for the educational modules by the end of this year, keeping all national stakeholders informed and engaged in the project timeline. The GUARD project continues to make significant strides in creating a safer environment for children. We thank all consortium members for their dedication and collaborative spirit, and we look forward to sharing further updates as we progress. For more information, please visit our official <a href="https://www.project-guard.eu/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a>.

We are pleased to share key highlights from the third meeting of the EU-funded GUARD project, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing child safeguarding practices across Europe. Our diverse consortium, composed of dedicated partners from various sectors, is committed to advancing the project's objectives through collaboration and innovation.

GUARD Project Team Meeting 3: Key Highlights

This excellent tradition of having a place where Croatian businesspeople, tourism professionals, athletes, and friends of Croatia can meet, as well as a place where Croatia can be promoted with all its beauty, landmarks, exceptional tourism offerings, and economy, was maintained last summer in the French capital. - During the Olympic Games in Paris, the Croatian Olympic Committee, in cooperation with the Croatian Tourist Board and other sponsors, organized the Croatian House in the City of Light, which served as a meeting and promotional hub for Croatia's tourism offerings, as well as a meeting place for Croatian athletes and sponsors, particularly media representatives. It hosted all Croatian medal winners, but also those who fell just short – by a step, a hundredth of a second, or a shot on target – because they all had the honor of representing Croatia at the Games. From the experience of a journalist who has attended 15 Olympic Games, I can confidently say that this was the best-organized Croatian House in history. Numerous other journalists who were in Paris can confirm this as well - said host Drago Ćosić, who could personally attest to his words, having moderated the programs at the Croatian House in Paris.The JUMP Award for promoting Croatia internationally was deservedly awarded to the Croatian Olympic Committee, and it was received on behalf of the umbrella organization for Croatian sport by Croatian Olympic Committee Marketing Director Ranko Ćetković, who played a major role in securing the representative space for the Croatian House and in the overall success of the project.The JUMP Awards were introduced to recognize and reward individuals and organizations across all social spheres that promote sports through their work and projects. This year, awards were presented in four categories: sports infrastructure, sports events, Sports City, and best exhibitor.The award in the sports events category is given to organizers of sporting events that have achieved outstanding success in organization, attracting participants and audiences, and promoting the spirit of sports. In this regard, the Croatian House in Paris was unrivaled.

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Poreč, October 18, 2024 – The Croatian House project at the Summer Olympic Games was once again outstanding during this year’s edition of the Games. This was confirmed by the JUMP Award, presented at the opening of the new edition of Sport Fest in Poreč.

Sport Fest: Croatian Olympic Committee’s House in Paris Receives the JUMP Award for Promoting Croatia Internationally

The agreement regulates the mutual cooperation between the Ministry of the Interior and the Croatian Olympic Committee with the aim of improving conditions for the development of high-level sports activities, including enhancing police training focused on the physical and mental well-being of police officers. The areas of cooperation are significantly expanded to include:<ul><li>Ensuring conditions for conducting police training</li><li>Mutual use of Ministry and Croatian Olympic Committee facilities</li><li>Infrastructure investments in the Ministry’s sports facilities and necessary equipment</li><li>Joint organization of major sporting events</li><li>Joint preparation for sports competitions</li><li>Involving top athletes and coaches in extracurricular activities, police training programs, and other forms of professional development</li><li>Promoting the police profession and sports within the police,</li><li>Improving the status of categorized athletes employed by the Ministry</li><li>Promoting a healthy lifestyle</li><li>Enhancing the quality of training processes</li></ul> The fields and forms of cooperation also extend to assistance in upgrading Ministry facilities, acquiring sports equipment and resources, and involving top athletes and coaches in extracurricular activities for participants. The Ministry commits to employing top athletes, and now, under the new Agreement, also coaches, through competitive procedures. Encouraging the development of dual careers and leveraging the experience and recognition of top athletes and coaches will contribute to the promotion of the police profession and the enhancement of police training and sports within the Ministry.On the other hand, the Agreement enables top athletes, after their careers end, to continue working as coaches in various sports and to be involved in segments of police training.The Croatian Olympic Committee commits to supporting the development and promotion of police education and quality police training, as well as implementing the most modern pedagogical knowledge and teaching skills in police training programs.Finally, the Ministry of the Interior commits to ensuring that categorized athletes who are training for police professions are provided with conditions for education and the fulfillment of other obligations, as well as the improvement of their sports careers, including participation in preparations and sports competitions. The Croatian Olympic Committee is the highest non-governmental national sports body, established with the aim of permanently promoting sports for a healthy life, friendly relations, and peaceful coexistence among people. It is an important partner to the Ministry of the Interior, providing support in the realization of all police sports activities and police training. Today’s signing of the Agreement continues this high-quality cooperation.

Zagreb, October 16, 2024 - The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Davor Božinović, and the Secretary General of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Siniša Krajač, have signed a Cooperation Agreement for the development and advancement of sports within the Ministry of the Interior.

The Ministry of the Interior and the Croatian Olympic Committee signed a Cooperation Agreement on the Development and Advancement of Sports within the Ministry

Marić succeeds Nikolina Babić, who led the Croatian Tennis Association for six years.The Assembly was attended by 39 voting members out of a total of 50, and the election was preceded by a comprehensive and detailed report on the work of the Croatian Tennis Association from 2018 to mid-October 2024. "I would like to thank Nikolina Babić and her team for leading the Croatian Tennis Association, both in the office and in the committees. The results speak for themselves. Progress has been made, and it is clear that tennis is one of the flagships of Croatian sports. The first Olympic medals came from tennis, and this continued in Paris. All of this commits us, and I take it very seriously, despite the voluntary nature of this role. It obliges us to work together for the betterment of Croatian tennis. As for priorities, there are no surprises—children must be our priority. It's up to us to decide how we will attract, educate, and keep them engaged in this wonderful sport for as long as possible. Today, Zagreb and Split are mentioned in the context of courts, but we must not neglect other parts of Croatia. I will wholeheartedly support the continuation of infrastructure development. Nikolina and her team fought hard on this issue, and persistence and solid arguments are needed to show that this is not a project for individuals but for the entire community," said Zdravko Marić. Nikolina Babić thanked her colleagues and Assembly members for years of cooperation:"I am proud, and it was a pleasure working with you all. My decision to step down, as I have previously mentioned, is solely due to personal and professional obligations, so media reports suggesting other reasons are untrue—it's just tabloid gossip. I wish you all great success, stay united, tennis comes before everything." At the Assembly, Excellence Awards were also presented, which the International Tennis Federation (ITF) awarded to two tournaments held in Croatia from the ITF World Tennis Tour calendar. The recipients were the directors of the Opatija tournament, Branimir Horvat, and the Bol tournament, Zvonimir Jakšić. The Croatian Olympic Committee congratulates Zdravko Marić on his election as President of the Croatian Tennis Association and wishes him great success in his work for the benefit of Croatian tennis!

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Zagreb, October 16, 2024 - The former Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Finance, Zdravko Marić, has been elected as the new President of the Croatian Tennis Association. He was unanimously chosen by the attending members of the Croatian Tennis Association's Assembly during a session in Zagreb.

Zdravko Marić elected as the new President of the Croatian Tennis Association. Congratulations!

As the name of the program suggests, the two-day event focused primarily on the financial aspects of operations for legal entities within the sports system. The turnout, traditionally strong for Croatian Olympic Academy events of this kind, was excellent, with more than 80 participants.The first day featured three presentations by Croatian Olympic Committee staff, preceded by an introductory speech from Croatian Olympic Academy Director Saša Ceraj. After welcoming the present representatives of national sports federations and local sports communities and recalling the first similar event (held in June), the Croatian Olympic Academy Director emphasized the importance of such lectures in contributing to the better functioning of sports organizations, especially in light of new legal provisions.The economic and financial aspects of sports were discussed by the Croatian Olympic Committee’s Coordinator for National Sports Federations Plan and Analysis, Tanja Bilić, and Financial Plan and Analysis Coordinator, Ivan Baričević. The Croatian Olympic Committee’s Marketing Director, Ranko Ćetković, spoke on sports marketing, and Vesna Peran, Coordinator of the International Olympic Committee's Olympic Solidarity Program, presented opportunities for sports financing through Olympic Solidarity funds. Numerous questions from the audience confirmed the relevance and value of the educational lectures on the financial aspects of sports in these fields.The second day also featured three thematic segments. The Croatian Olympic Committee’s Business Operations Control Coordinator, Mihael Trkulja, and Chief Internal Auditor, Evica Obadić, discussed the accounting and financial framework and supervision of sports organizations. Equally engaging were the presentations by the Croatian Olympic Committee’s EU Funds Coordinator, Alma Papić, and Public Procurement Coordinator, Darko Mesarek, as evidenced by the extensive "questions and answers" sessions that followed.It is undeniable that during the second cycle of the Croatian Olympic Academy’s educational lectures, representatives of national sports federations and local sports communities received many answers and guidelines for more effective operations in their daily practice.

Zagreb, October 10, 2024—The Croatian Olympic Academy organized the second cycle of lectures, titled "Sports Financing," as part of the informal Sports Professionals Education Program, which was held at the Antunović Hotel in Zagreb.

Over 80 participants attended the second thematic cycle of the Croatian Olympic Academy's informal education for sports professionals

At the same session, the Croatian Olympic Committee conducted an election process in which officials for the remaining leading bodies of Croatia’s top sports organization were also elected.The election process preceded a ten-minute presentation on the Croatian Olympic Committee’s activities over the previous four years. The HOO Secretary General, Siniša Krajač, presented to the Assembly members all the significant advances the Croatian Olympic Committee had made in sports, administration, technology, media, and other areas of operation, emphasizing a 150% budget increase, the relocation of the organization to its newly acquired premises, and the restructuring of the Sports Television, owned by the Croatian Olympic Committee.Following this, Zlatko Mateša, as the sole presidential candidate, gave his pre-election address, highlighting that he wouldn’t focus on the positive achievements like the Secretary-General had. His speech outlined potential and evident issues that Croatian sports must address shortly, offering his vision for possible solutions:- "I’m thankful for the tremendous support, as 74 signatures backing my candidacy represent strong support. We face challenging times, primarily due to demographic constraints. We have about 720,000 young people under the age of 19, and the question is how, with such a small base, we can support around 80 sports federations and remain among the top 15% of nations in terms of success at the Olympic Games, competing against 206 countries. We need to support families whose children are involved in sports, easing the burden of buying equipment, travel expenses, membership fees, and ensuring that these children become our pledge for future Olympic Games. A voucher system, like in other countries, would help here, and we’ll further develop it. Another major issue is our sports clubs, which are struggling. Our companies should invest in clubs, and the tax regulations for such investments need to become more attractive. Without strengthening clubs, it’s hard to have strong national teams. We have the Croatian Olympic Committee’s development programs as an example. There isn’t a single Olympic medalist who hasn’t passed through the Croatian Olympic Committee’s development programs. We will continue to finance not only medal winners from Paris but also all other athletes who competed at the Games. Another issue is sports infrastructure, and I truly don’t understand why we can’t follow the example of Hungary or Austria in this... The International Olympic Committee didn’t just randomly add the word ‘together’ to the Olympic motto – I believe that together we can improve the current state,” Mateša said, outlining his vision for the next four-year term.Through a unanimous public vote by Assembly members, Mateša was re-elected as the president (a position he has held since 2002), and his proposal for four vice-presidents was subsequently confirmed: Željko Jerkov (Croatian Olympians Club), Barbara Matić (the Croatian Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission), Marijan Kustić (Croatian Football Federation), and Sanda Čorak (Croatian Judo Federation). The newly elected president also proposed, and the Assembly accepted, 16 members of the Croatian Olympic Committee Council (a total of 23 members): the president, four vice-presidents, International Olympic Committee member Kolinda Grabar Kitarović, Ivan Veštić (athletics), Tomislav Grahovac (handball), Valentina Bifflin (volleyball), Perica Bukić (water polo), Anto Nobilo (taekwondo), Miho Glavić (skiing), Srećko Ferenčak (squash), Zlatko Taritaš (sailing), Željko Kisić (rowing), Mario Meštrović (Sports Community of Vukovar-Srijem County), Nikola Rukavina (basketball), Zoran Primorac (table tennis), Marijo Možnik (gymnastics), Zdravko Marić (tennis), Damir Knjaz (golf), and Snježana Jurinić (Sports Community of Zadar County). At the next session, Dragutin Kamenski (rugby) is expected to be involved in the Council.The Croatian Olympic Committee Supervisory Board members elected were: Ivan Jelenčić, Fernando Kirigin, Goran Kovačić, Stjepan Krznarić, and Romeo Vrečko. The Ethical Committee members elected were: Andrea Vrbik, Siniša Lučić, Mario Dokmanić, Krešimir Koketi, and Martina Zubčić Dušak. The heads of the Croatian Olympic Committee’s sports groups committees are: Sanda Čorak (summer Olympic sports), Miho Glavić (winter Olympic sports), Zlatko Mateša (non-Olympic sports), and Mario Meštrović (local sports communities).

President of the Croatian Olympic Committee Zlatko Mateša and Vice President Marijan Kustić

Zagreb, October 3, 2024 – At the 74th session of the Croatian Olympic Committee Assembly, held at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb, the incumbent president Zlatko Mateša was unanimously re-elected as the president of the Croatian Olympic Committee for the 2024-2028 term.

Current President Zlatko Mateša Re-Elected for a New Four-Year Term at the Helm of the Croatian Olympic Committee

Neven Ilić Álvarez, the incumbent president of Panam Sports, won a decisive victory with 37 votes, while his opponent, Keith Joseph, received 16 votes. Thus, the Chilean of Croatian descent, also a member of the IOC, will have the mission of leading Panam Sports in his third consecutive term.“I want to thank all those who supported me, for allowing me to finish this project. These elections are over and I can say that we are a great group. Everyone is part of this project. Of course, I thank my friend Keith Joseph. We will continue working&nbsp;so that the Americas remain&nbsp;a stellar continent,” said Neven Ilić Álvarez, the newly re-elected Panam Sports president, at the end of the voting.The Pan-American Sports Organization (Panam Sports) is the leading organization for sports and the Olympic movement in the Americas. It promotes sports development and supports the work of 41 national Olympic committees from both American continents. The Croatian Olympic Committee congratulates Neven Ilić Álvarez on his third presidential term at the helm of the largest Pan-American sports organization – Panam Sports!

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On the right: Neven Ilić Álvarez as a guest at the Croatian House in Krakow, accompanied by EOC President Spyros Capralos, the chief coordinator of the 2023 European Games Hasan Arat, and the host of the reception, the Croatian Olympic Committee President Zlatko Mateša.

Asuncion, October 2, 2024 - On the first day of the 62nd General Assembly of the leading Pan-American sports organization (Panam Sports) in Asuncion, Paraguay, the election for the presidency for the 2024-2028 term took place. The current president, Neven Ilić Álvarez, faced off against the second vice-president of Panam Sports, Keith Joseph.

Chilean of Croatian descent, Neven Ilić Álvarez, re-elected as Panam Sports President

In the company of representatives from the Croatian Hockey Federation, Director Slaven Zlatar and the Croatian Hockey Federation Executive Board member Renata Gregurek, international guests also participated in the meeting – Tom Pedersen-Smith, the lead coordinator of the project from the European Hockey Federation (EuroHockey), Phil Taylor from OAKS Consultancy as the project manager representing the agency involved in strategic planning, and Peter Elders, a member of the Executive Board of the European Hockey Federation.The Croatian Olympic Committee was represented by the Director of the Office for National Sports Federations’ Programs and Development Programs, Neven Šavora, and EU Funds and International Cooperation manager, Ante Ćosić.As the Croatian Hockey Federation is involved in the project, strategic planning was also discussed with representatives of the umbrella organization of Croatian sports, and the international guests had previously presented the project at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports.

Zagreb, September 30, 2024 – A meeting on the EU project "Solidarity through Great Governance" was held at the Croatian Olympic Committee premises.

Guests from the European Hockey Federation and the Croatian Hockey Federation presented an EU project on strategic planning to the Croatian Olympic Committee

The Croatian American Football Association delegation included its vice presidents, Mislav Pokrovac and Ante Ajduk, who updated the Croatian Olympic Committee leadership on current developments within the Association and the national team. In 2023, flag football was recognized as the fastest-growing sport in Europe, which led to its inclusion in the Olympic program for 2028. The sport has seen a particular rise in popularity in the women’s category. Currently, Croatia has six active clubs located in Dubrovnik, Split, Karlovac, Zagreb, Bjelovar, and Osijek. All clubs are members of the Association, working together with the shared goal of organizing competitions in both contact and non-contact versions of the sport, promoting the sport within local communities, schools, and universities, and bringing together everyone interested in the sport in various forms. President Mateša and Secretary General Krajač assured the Croatian American Football Association representatives of their support for the national team’s activities during the newly launched Olympic cycle, with the common goal of having Croatia represented by another team sport at the LA 2028 Games.

Zagreb, September 20, 2024 – Croatian Olympic Committee President Zlatko Mateša and Secretary General Siniša Krajač welcomed representatives of the Croatian American Football Association at the national sports association’s headquarters. Flag football, a variant of American football, will be an Olympic sport at the Summer Games in Los Angeles in 2028

Mateša and Krajač Welcome Representatives of the Croatian American Football Association at the Croatian Olympic Committee, Whose Flag Football Will Be an Olympic Sport in LA 2028

The Mrduja Regatta is the oldest sailing competition in Croatia and one of the oldest in Europe. This year, it will be sailed for the 93rd time, a tradition unmatched by any other sporting event in Croatia.The iconic regatta, organized by the Sailing Club Jadran from Split, is the central event of the Split Sailing Festival. Over 200 boats with both domestic and foreign crews regularly participate, offering an unforgettable experience to participants and spectators alike who share a passion for sailing and sea adventures.Since 2022, a charitable sailing competition has been held as part of the Mrduja Regatta under the motto ‘Sail with Rotary for the Croatian Athletes Foundation.’ In the regatta's starting lineup in the Split waters, that year were six ACI yachts, skippered by renowned Croatian sailors such as Tonči Stipanović, Šime and Mihovil Fantela, Filip Jurišić, and Palma Čargo. Among the skippers was also our most successful Winter Olympian, Ivica Kostelić.Crew members included celebrated athletes and Olympians like Tomislav Smoljanović, Snježana Pejčić, Antonija Sandrić, Barbara Matić, Ivan and Anđelo Kvesić, as well as representatives of sponsors. The following year, they were joined by Igor Boraska, Zoran Primorac, Milivoj Bebić, Josip Reić, Valent Sinković, Mihaela and Anđela de Micheli Vitturi, Ivan Kljaković Gašpić, Mario Vekić, Blanka Vlašić, and many others who wanted to support this initiative.Our renowned table tennis player and seven-time Olympian, Zoran Primorac, who is also a member of the Croatian Athletes Foundation’s Board of Trustees and the Rotary Club Medvedgrad, recalls how it all began.- I once talked to Dubravko Šimenc, president of the Croatian Athletes Foundation, about what new charity initiative we could start, something fresh and different. I came up with the idea of doing something with sailing since I knew my fellow Rotarians were great sailing enthusiasts. Naturally, they loved the idea. The founders of the Foundation—the Croatian Olympians Club, Sportske Novosti, and the Croatian Olympic Committee—were also enthusiastic, and we got started. JK Labud was one of the co-organizers, ACI donated the boats, Hanza Media helped with promotion, and the Rotarians made a significant contribution to the organization and sponsored recruitment. In the first two years, we raised more than 40,000 euros for the Foundation, helping many athletes in need - says Primorac.Primorac explains how this charity event works:- Sponsors ‘rent’ boats and pay for the opportunity. They get to sail with our Olympians and socialize with them at the Welcome Party in Strožanac, which they love. It’s a completely new experience for them, and at the same time, they’re doing something good for society and athletes. This charitable regatta also has a competitive element, as these ACI yachts, the ClubSwan 36, are fantastic and very fast—they’re even called the ‘Ferrari of sailing’—so for all the participants, it was a thrilling experience and a great story.The Croatian Athletes Foundation, which benefits from the funds raised at this charity regatta, was established with one goal: to provide financial assistance to former athletes.- The Foundation’s mission is to help athletes in need, whether it’s addressing their financial, health, or any other problem. These are our colleagues who have fallen on hard times for various reasons, and we’re here to help. Many are deeply grateful to the Foundation for offering a helping hand when they needed it most: whether it was covering major medical expenses, purchasing necessary and costly equipment, or providing financial support. I think the Croatian Athletes Foundation is a wonderful story. Our first president was Zvone Boban, and now it’s Dudo Šimenc. It’s heartwarming to see athletes helping athletes, as we usually knock on others’ doors for help. Now, athletes are helping each other.The role of the Rotary Club Medvedgrad in this whole effort is immense and indispensable.- The Rotarians are a humanitarian organization focused on helping others. The members of the Rotary Club Medvedgrad, of which I’m a part, recognized everything we’re doing with the Foundation and enthusiastically joined our cause. We’re now in the midst of preparations for the third charity regatta. These are all very serious and successful people—university professors, doctors, entrepreneurs—who dedicate all their free time to this charity regatta. The Croatian Olympic Committee, led by President Zlatko Mateša and Secretary General Siniša Krajač, also recognized the value of this initiative from the start and supported us. From the beginning, we envisioned this as a traditional event, and it seems we’re on the right path, as we’re now preparing for the third one.This initiative has proven that Croatian Olympians, as well as other successful athletes, are a brand that can capture the public’s interest and attract sponsors to such a charity event.- The athletes are thrilled about it too. Everyone wants to be on those boats and be part of this story. An Olympic medal is prestigious and respected worldwide, and business partners believe it represents something people admire beyond sport. That’s why every company wants to link its image with that of an Olympic champion or any other top athlete. These athletes also have strong media connections, which can open doors for them. It’s a win-win situation, showing how valuable our top athletes are and how they can attract people from the business world. This year, we’ll have, among others, Olympic champion judoka Barbara Matić from Paris, and for the first time, we’ll also have Paralympians led by Paralympic table tennis champion Anđela Mužinić Vincetić.Although the first two charity regattas held under the slogan ‘Sail with Rotary for the Croatian Athletes Foundation’ as part of the 91st and 92nd Mrduja Regatta were very successful, there is still room for improvement.- We need to work on increasing our media visibility so that more people can see what we’re doing. That’s the next step we need to take. Once the public becomes more aware of this initiative, it will be much easier to attract new sponsors - concludes Zoran Primorac.The 93rd Mrduja Regatta, featuring the charity race for the Croatian Athletes Foundation, will take place on the Split–Mrduja–Split route on October 5, 2024.

In the first two years, we raised more than 40,000 euros for the Croatian Athletes Foundation, and with that money, we helped many athletes in need, says Zoran Primorac, a member of the Foundation's Board of Trustees.