Prime Minister Andrej Plenković Visits Athletes in the Olympic Village, Then Opens the Croatian House in Paris

"I am delighted that there will be a Croatian House in Paris, where Croatian athletes will stay, as well as tourism workers representing Croatian tourism. Our athletes, who are accommodated in the Paris Olympic Village, are in great spirits, and satisfied with the conditions, accommodation, and facilities. They are motivated and await their moment to compete. We also saw the handball players, water polo players, tennis players, and rowers, and I think they are in good shape. I keep up with all our sports, especially when it comes to such a major competition, but I only have time to watch the handball players in today’s match against Japan."

The Croatian Prime Minister shared his impressions of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games on the Seine River with the media:

"The opening of the Olympic Games aimed to be different than usual. The first-ever opening outside a stadium, one hundred years after the last Games in Paris, and of course, the message of French values that have also become universal values, along with an overview of French and Parisian history. It's a shame for the hosts and organizers that it rained so heavily, but the event itself, from what I have heard, was very well received," said Plenković, adding his forecast for the number of Croatian medals at the Games:

"I think we would all be satisfied if the number of medals was eight, like in Tokyo..."

Tourism and Sports Minister Tonči Glavina is the minister of the two main connections of the Croatian House project, which has been organized by the Croatian Olympic Committee eight times so far:

"This house, along with tourist postcards, is a reminder that we are playing in the world's strongest league. That is precisely our sport, our sporting successes, and of course, our beautiful country."

Joining Prime Minister Plenković at the opening of the Croatian House in Paris was IOC member Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović.

"Last night’s opening of the Olympic Games, unfortunately slightly marred by rain, shows how the nature of the Olympic Games is changing and how they will be different in the future. These Olympic Games, under the motto 'Games Wide Open,' mean Games open to all, with tickets being available at affordable prices, so most tickets were sold for around 50 or 100 euros, which is a big difference compared to previous Olympic Games. Furthermore, about 95% of the existing sports infrastructure is being used. This means there was no construction just for the Games, and then those facilities would stand empty for years afterward. What particularly pleases me is that gender equality between male and female athletes has finally been achieved; these are the first Olympic Games to achieve gender equality," said Grabar-Kitarović.

The Croatian Olympic Committee President Zlatko Mateša, who also acted as the host, spoke about the Croatian House project:

"We envisioned this place as an interaction of sports, economy, and tourism. This is a good opportunity and a perfect place to thank the Government of the Republic of Croatia and the president, Mr. Plenković; as well as Minister Glavina, because without them, without the Government, we wouldn't be standing here now. It is also an opportunity to greet our sponsors who have also helped us with the idea of this House and with their constant support over the years. On behalf of Croatian athletes, we are extremely grateful to them."

The ceremony was attended by Zagreb Mayor Tomislav Tomašević, Chargé d'Affaires of the Croatian Embassy in France Senka Burić, the Croatian Olympic Committee Secretary-General Siniša Krajač, head of the Croatian Olympic Committee Mission at the Paris Games Damir Šegota, and special guests, members of the BK Pedalinac from Zagreb, who cycled 2,200 kilometers to Paris in honor of the Olympics.