Greeting from the President of NOC Montenegro on the Occasion of 20 Years Since the Restoration of Montenegro’s Independence
Montenegro today marks two decades since the restoration of its independence and the renewal of its full responsibility to speak in its own name, to make its own decisions and to stand before the world with its own name, flag and anthem. Over these two decades, sport has been one of the areas in which this process unfolded most visibly, and where Montenegro most quickly recognised itself as a community.
When Montenegrin athletes compete under their own flag, when the national anthem is played, when the name of Montenegro appears among the countries of the world, it is never merely a sporting moment. It is a moment in which years of hard work, sacrifice, family support, coaching expertise and a sense of belonging to the country we represent and love are all recognised. That is why I have always believed that sport carries more than results alone. It reflects the measure of a society, its culture, its attitude towards work, victory, defeat and towards others.
Montenegrin sport holds an important historical place within these two decades. Few fields, with such modest resources, have made the name of Montenegro so visible internationally as sport has done. Not because our athletes always won, but because they carried the name of Montenegro with honour, courage and a sense of responsibility. In their performances there was both pride and humility, struggle and respect, and that particular Montenegrin measure: dignity without arrogance, strength without grand words.
This anniversary reminds us that a state is built through institutions, laws and major decisions, but also through the everyday relationship people have towards it. It is built by those who learn, work, create, train, educate, heal, lead, support and represent it with dignity. It is also built by those who understand that differences are not a weakness, but the strength of a shared home, provided that we show enough respect towards that home.
Montenegro belongs to all its citizens who respect it and who wish for it to become better, fairer, more organised and stronger. In sport, this may be seen more clearly than anywhere else: when competing for Montenegro, differences do not disappear, but they are placed behind a common name. In those moments, it becomes clear that belonging to a state is not a slogan, but a responsibility.
Therefore, on the occasion of twenty years since the restoration of independence, I extend my sincere congratulations to all citizens of Montenegro. May this country remain our shared measure of responsibility, dignity and respect, today and in the years to come.
May Montenegro be eternal!
Dušan Simonović
President of NOC Montenegro
