Meeting with media representatives

During the briefing with press, President of MOC, Dušan Simonović said that so far, besides finished work and preparations, Olympic norms are not yet fulfilled and that the only athlete who provided his place at the Olympic Games in London is Srđan Mrvaljević but we believe that other will do so, like water-polo team and women handball team. He also stated that MOC has certain problems related to lack of financial means and that they are closing this calendar year with lots of uncertainties. »The only alternative we have left is to connect even more with the State and ask for certain support, look for new sponsors and encourage the old ones”.

President Simonović said that he believes that in individual sports some of the following athletes could fulfill the Olympic norm and provide participation at the Olympic Games in London: boxer Boško Drašković, yachtsman Milivoj Dukić or one of the three athletes. »It is possible that tennis player Danka Kovinić, shooters and swimmers will be able to fulfill the norm«, said Simonović.

Montenegrin Chef de Mission at the Olympic Games in London, Igor Vušurović said that MOC will have to face comprehensive and serious work. He stated that during the meeting between leaders of the missions from the countries participating at the Olympic Games in London he was introduced to the rights and obligations that must be fulfilled before, during and after the Games. "London will be center of the World in that period, and that means also big security criteria. It is expected that more than 20.000 journalists will be there including 9 million sold tickets", said Vušurović. He said that MOC representatives spoke to representative from the British Embassy in Montenegro in order to facilitate visa issuing procedures. "We had meetings with sport federations as well.We also planned activities for promotion of Olympism, Montenegrin Olympians and sponsors", said Vušurović. He also stated that the organizers have paid great attention to fight against doping and betting.

Project manager Boris Sekulić said that, besides TVCG who has authorised transmission right, Montenegro will receive three accreditations for printed media, which is one less that in Beijing. "The decrease was explained by less capacity in London that in Beijing. Organizers paid attention to nuber of inhabitants of all countries, its area and nuber of athletes participating", said Sekulić. He also stated that it was agreed that accreditations will be distributed to daily newspapers Vijesti, Dan and Pobjeda-Arena. Sekulić presumes that biggest problem for all visitors will be accommodation. "All other media in Montenegro will be provided daily reports, interviews and announcements for the following day", kazao je Sekulić.

Sports director of MOC Predrag Marsenić said that they also had meetings with representatives from Montenegrin sports federations during which they were introduced to procedures and obligations that federations are obliged to fulfill. He repeated that doping control of athletes will be very rigorous. "On Thursday, 10. November, MOC will organize seminar on doping where will be also present the Director general of the Regional Antidoping Organisation for the South-Eastern Europe, dr Teimuraz Ukleba", said Marsenić.

Simonović used this meeting with media representatives to talk about proposal for the athlete of the year that is MOC’s responsibility this year. It was proposed that athletes should be elected by the Commission composed of 15 members, representatives from media, former winners of this awards and some persons who are very important to Montenegrin sport. Media should have six places. Final word about this proposal will be given by MOC.