The Athletes’ Commission of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee (MOC) adopted, at the Montenegrin Athletes’ Forum held on 21 November, the Declaration on the Rights of Athletes and the Development of Montenegrin Sport, the first document of its kind in Montenegro. It aims to strengthen athletes’ positions and enhance the sports system through clearly defined principles, standards, and institutional obligations. The Declaration marks an essential step towards creating a safe, fair, and modern environment for all participants in sport.
The document consists of seven key areas: the position of athletes, their rights and protection, fair conditions and equal opportunities, integrity and accountability, education and dual careers, mental health and well-being, and the shared responsibility of all actors for the future of Montenegrin sport.
It affirms that every athlete has the right to a safe and dignified environment, complete physical and psychological protection, equal treatment, zero tolerance for violence and discrimination, as well as accessible support in the fields of mental health and education.
The President of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, Dušan Simonović, emphasised that the Declaration confirms the clear direction and values on which Montenegrin sport should be built:
“This document formalises the principles that the Montenegrin Olympic Committee has consistently upheld for years: that athletes are at the centre of the system. Their safety, development, dignity, and right to be part of decision-making processes remain the foundation on which we build every further advancement of Montenegrin sport.”
The Chair of the MOC Athletes’ Commission, Milivoj Dukić, noted that the Declaration emerged as a response to the genuine needs of athletes:
“What athletes experience, propose, and request will guide all policies and changes. Their experience and their voice will shape every step we take in developing Montenegrin sport.”
The Declaration equally underscores the institutional responsibility of sports federations, educational institutions, state authorities, the media, and society to recognise sport as an area of public interest and long-term value. It clearly states that the system must be based on transparency, ethical conduct, anti-doping standards, fair selection criteria, and responsible governance.
By adopting this Declaration, Montenegro lays the foundations for building a fairer and more sustainable sports system. The document represents a long-term commitment by institutions and sports bodies to improve policies and practices in line with the best international standards. You can find the full text of the Declaration (MNE) HERE.
