Caravan in Montenegrin water-polo cradle

On 9th June, Olympic caravan visited Herceg Novi, city of mimosa and Montenegrin water polo cradle, sport which will represent Montenegro on highest level on its first appearance in the history at the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Although the end of the school year was close, this sport event gathered several hundreds of elementary school pupils and citizens, who wanted to greet and wish good luck to Montenegrin representatives at XXIX Olympic Games to be held in capital of China.

On behalf of the host town, Municipal secretary for social activities Radovan Božović, greeted all guests and in his speech he stressed that Herceg Novi is proud of its water polo players and that caravan’s visit makes great honor and pleasure to their town. Božović reminded that Herceg Novi has large number of Olympic medals, as well as medals from other big international competitions, and that he was happy to see lots of pupils and citizens participating in this event.

Vladimir Gojković, member of our water-polo national team addressed the present on Nikola Đurković Square on behalf of Montenegrin water-polo national team, stressing that Montenegrin water-polo players will deservingly represent Montenegrin sport at the Olympic Games and that he is so happy seeing large number of his cohabitants involved in this event.

On behalf of water-polo aces, Zoran Mustur silver Olympic medal winner at the Olympic Games in Moscow 1980. and bronze medal winner of the WC in Berlin 1978. greeted citizens of H. Novi.

Boro Mračević, member of Executive Board of Montenegrin Olympic Committee opened competition of elementary school pupils. He expressed his satisfaction for great success Olympic caravan had in all previous host cities. Herceg Novi, said Mračević, is city that knows to value and respect top athletes and great sports results, and city that will have large number of representatives at Olympic water-polo tournament in Beijing. On behalf of Montenegrin Olympic Committee he delivered medals to winners after races.

In boys’ race winner was Viktor Bijelović, pupil from ES "Ilija Kišić", second was Stefan Vico, pupil from ES "Orjenski bataljon", and third was Đorđe Vuković, pupil from the same school.

Fastest among girls was Jelena Milović, pupil from ES "Ilija Kišić", secong was Ivana Đukić, pupil from ES "Orjenski bataljon", and third was Dara Marjanović, from ES "Ilija Kišić".

Secretary General of Athletic Federation of Montenegro, Milan Madžgalj delivered diplomas to all of those placed between 4th and 10th position.

Dejan Mandić, Mayor of Herceg Novi was also present on yesterday’s event.

Special meaning of caravan in Herceg Novi gave presence of Petar Porobić, selector of Montenegrin water-polo national team.

Moderators of Olympic caravan in Herceg Novi were Željko Šoć, well known Montenegrin sport journalist and our actress Ivona Čović.

Large number of tourists watched this event too, and they also wanted to have t-shirts with logo "Faster, higher, stronger".

As it is known, Olympic caravan is organized by Montenegrin Olympic committee in cooperation with Athletic Federation of Montenegro and host municipalities. So far it visited Cetinje, Bijelo Polje, Rožaje, Kolašin, Nikšić, Bar, Kotor and Herceg Novi.

Closing event of the Olympic caravan will be held in Podgorica on 16th July. For that occasion, it is planned to greet our athletes and wish them luck at the Olympic Games. First ten from all races both in boys and girls categories from cities visited by the Olympic caravan, will run in the final race in capital of Montenegro.