The 1st regular session of the Assembly of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee (COK) was held today in Podgorica, with the presence of representatives of national sports associations, members of the Board of Directors, sports authorities and dignitaries. The session was presided over by the president of COK, Dušan Simonović, and members of the Working Presidency, besides him, were Ljiljana Vučević and Đuro Marić.
At the very beginning, the Assembly declared on the status of the Boxing Association of Montenegro (BSCG), which fulfilled all formal and programmatic criteria, including joining the relevant international boxing association. The Assembly confirmed their status as a full member of the COK, which created the conditions for establishing the mandate of their delegates.
Mihael Čepić, director of the National Anti-Doping Organization of Austria and president of the Central European Anti-Doping Organization – CEADO, also addressed the assembly, who spoke about the obligations of athletes and sports organizations in the fight against doping. It was pointed out that Montenegro is included in the mentoring program of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), in which NADA Austria provides expert support to the National Anti-Doping Commission. Mr. Čepić praised the cooperation with the Anti-Doping Commission of Montenegro, headed by its director Neda Ojdanić. His exceptional commitment, as well as professional and open cooperation with our institutions, are a strong contribution to the development of the national anti-doping system.
Mrs. Ojdanić also addressed the assembly and shared her first insights from this complex area. Good cooperation with international partners, commitment to the development of clean sports in Montenegro and the rapid involvement of the national team in key activities were highlighted.
The Assembly unanimously adopted the new Rules of Procedure, which regulate in detail the rules of functioning, including the possibility of holding electronic sessions and online voting in emergency cases.The Financial Report for 2024 was adopted, which received a positive opinion from the independent auditor and the Supervisory Board, without objections. The Financial Plan for 2025 was also presented, according to which a significant part of the budget, about 57%, will be directly and indirectly dedicated to support sports organizations, coaches and athletes. These funds will be directed to preparations and training camps, development programs, improvement of knowledge and skills through educational programs, scholarships and financial support for athletes and sports organizations, direct support for activities and projects of national associations, activities aimed at athletes, as well as participation in competitions from the Olympic calendar (winter and summer EYOF and Games of small countries of Europe).
“The plan for 2025 brings a balance between top sport and investment in the foundations of the system, i.e. in youth, coaches, health of athletes and fair conditions for everyone. There is no strong Olympic movement without strong institutions and security for those who represent us,” said COK president Dušan Simonović.
The Assembly adopted the reports on the participation in the Winter EYOF in Bakuriani (Georgia), prepared by the head of the mission Marina Kosić Radović, the performance at the Games of Small European Countries in Andorra, prepared by the head of the mission Ivan Bošković, and the preparations for the Summer EYOF in Skopje (North Macedonia), prepared by the head of the mission Predrag Marsenić.
The COK Assembly, which as of today has 54 members, after the status of the Boxing Association of Montenegro was verified and the mandates of their representatives were confirmed, of which 39 members attended the session, due to certain misunderstandings regarding the reports for the Games, clearly stated that the report on the Olympic Games in Paris had already been presented and discussed at the previous session, in accordance with the item on the agenda and the rules of work. This confirmed that all relevant data and evaluations were available to the members of the Assembly in a timely manner.
Members of the Assembly called for the continuation of constructive action and strengthening of joint responsibility for the improvement of the sports system, with the message that the Montenegrin Olympic Committee remains committed to transparency, development and support for athletes. In connection with this, the conclusion of the Assembly is that sport requires seriousness, continuity and dedication of all actors of the system and that energy should be directed towards the future, towards better conditions for athletes and the strengthening of the Olympic movement as a whole.
The Assembly unanimously adopted the new Rulebook on the work of the COK Arbitration Body, which defines jurisdiction, protection of rights and a transparent arbitration process in accordance with international standards.
The Assembly unanimously adopted the admission of the following associations to the membership of COK:
- Cycling Association of Montenegro
- Triathlon Association of Montenegro
- Golf Association of Montenegro
- Muay Thai Association of Montenegro
COK President Dušan Simonović congratulated the new members and emphasized the importance of joint work on the development of sports in Montenegro.
“I am especially glad that today we introduced new members to our Olympic family. It is a sign of the growth and integration of sports, but also of our openness and willingness to support everyone who works seriously and with dedication. Today’s session is another indicator that the Montenegrin Olympic Committee is a serious, responsible and transparent organization that strategically builds the sports system, listening to the needs of athletes and federations. I believe that the results in 2025 will show that we didn’t plan to ‘fulfill the forms’, but to leave a mark,” concluded Simonović.
