Olympic Day was celebrated yesterday at the courts of the Morača Sports Centre in Podgorica, bringing together a large number of children, athletes, coaches, parents, volunteers and friends of sport. Organised by NOC Montenegro, the traditional event once again celebrated Olympic values through sport, competition and play.
Alongside NOC Montenegro President Dušan Simonović, the event was attended by the President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, accompanied by his family, Director General for Sport at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Zoran Jojić, Secretary for Sport of the Capital City of Podgorica Darko Nikčević, as well as numerous current and former Olympians, coaches, sports officials and volunteers. This year’s Olympic Day carried additional significance as Montenegro marks twenty years since the restoration of its independence.
NOC Montenegro President Dušan Simonović reminded participants that sport knows no borders, religions or nations, but recognises only respect, fair play and common goals: “Olympic Day is a moment to remind ourselves why sport exists and what it teaches us. It teaches us that victory has value only when it is achieved fairly, that defeat is not the end but an invitation to become better, and that togetherness surpasses any individual success. At NOC Montenegro, we see Olympism as a philosophy of life that combines body, will and mind. We believe that sport is also a matter of public health, because a society in which children move, play and grow up actively is a healthier, more resilient and happier society. We believe in a society where sport does not exclude, but welcomes, protects and shapes every child, without fear and without barriers.”
Simonović thanked the Government of Montenegro, the Ministry of Sport and Youth, the Secretariat for Sport of the Capital City, Olympic Solidarity of the International Olympic Committee and NOC Montenegro’s sponsors for their support, noting that the road to the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 has already begun.
“Olympic Day is an opportunity to pause and reflect on the essence of everything the Ministry of Sport and Youth seeks to achieve. We can speak about policies, reforms and infrastructure, but the true measure of our work is the children on the field. Looking around today at this energy and enthusiasm, I believe we are on the right path. The real indicator of a society’s success is how many children have access to sport, how many engage in physical activity and how many learn values through sport that will stay with them throughout their lives. Together with NOC Montenegro, the Capital City, sports federations and clubs, we are working to ensure that every child in Montenegro has the opportunity to participate in sport, regardless of where they live or where they come from,” said Zoran Jojić, Director General for Sport at the Ministry of Sport and Youth.
Darko Nikčević, Secretary for Sport of the Capital City of Podgorica, highlighted that Podgorica proudly carries the title of a city of sport and a city of youth: “It is a particular pleasure to see so many children, athletes and sports enthusiasts gathered today at the courts of the Morača Sports Centre around the values promoted by the Olympic Movement – respect, friendship and excellence.”
President of Montenegro Jakov Milatović addressed the youngest participants, emphasising that sport builds character as much as it delivers results: “Sport is not only competition. Sport is a journey. A journey on which you learn to become better, to respect your opponents, to support your team and to believe in yourself even when things are difficult. Talent is a great gift, but talent alone is never enough. Talent requires hard work, character and sacrifice. It requires the days when you train even when you do not feel like training. It is our responsibility to ensure that sport is available to every child, not only those who are already winning or those who have the best conditions, but every child who wants to play, grow, train and feel that they belong.”
The rich sports programme brought together children from clubs across Montenegro in a variety of demonstrations and competitions. Participants took part in relay races, handball, football, volleyball, spikeball, subsoccer, teqball, tug-of-war and other games, while demonstration sessions in karate, judo, gymnastics and volleyball further energised the event. Through play and competition, children had the opportunity to learn about the Olympic values of respect, friendship and excellence.
As part of Olympic Day, activities from the Erasmus+ project ExerSafe were also presented. The project focuses on creating safer, more inclusive and gender-sensitive environments for girls and women in sport and physical activity. Project partners from Montenegro, France and Spain introduced a free online course designed for coaches, sports organisations, fitness centres and other sports professionals, aimed at increasing knowledge of harassment prevention, gender equality and the creation of safe sporting environments for women.
Handball Club Podgorica, Football Club Centar, Karate Club Omladinac, Karate Club Mladost, Gymnastics Club Budućnost, Volleyball Club Net, Athletics Club Milenijum, Judo Club Ippon and Taekwondo Club S3 all contributed to this year’s Olympic Day through demonstrations and mini-competitions, together with NGO CAMS.
Olympic Day, celebrated worldwide on 23 June to commemorate the founding of the modern Olympic Movement, provides an opportunity to celebrate sport as a universal language of peace, friendship and mutual understanding. Organised under the auspices of the International Olympic Committee, the day is marked in more than 150 countries through activities that engage people of all ages and abilities.
This year’s IOC campaign carries the slogan “You Can Do This! Let’s Move”, encouraging people of all generations to become more active, step away from digital passivity and rediscover the joy of movement through sport, play, walking or dancing.
PHOTO Gallery – https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCXofc
