Caravan of youth and Olympism

On the occasion of the Olympic caravan, leaving tomorrow from Cetinje, organizer, the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, held press conference on 18th April.

„This is sport-amusing event which will help us promote sport and idea of Olympism in a special way, on the occasion of forthcoming Olympic Games and first participation of our athletes under Montenegrin flag in the Games“, said president of the MOC, Dušan Simonović.

He added that the Olympic caravan project is financially supported by the International Olympic Committee with US $ 50.000.

„We expect participation of lots young people and your full media support. For Montenegrin Olympic Committee this is great challenge because it is the first year of our full time member status in the international Olympic family“, said Simonović.

Secretary General of the MOC, Đorđije Kustudić, stressed that the Olympic caravan is fully authentic segment of the wider Beijing 2008. project and announced similar activities in the future.

Chief of marketing in the MOC, Ranko Jovović, informed media representatives that Montenegrin Olympic Committee recently signed long-term agreement on cooperation with Public Service of Montenegro according to which this TV station became media partner of the MOC until the end of the Olympic Games in London 2012. He reminded that general sponsor of the MOC is Prva banka Crne Gore, and golden sponsor Montenegrin Telecom. Official partners of the MOC are Clothes factory “Varteks” from Varaždin, wich will provide clothes for Montenegrin sport delegation and well known Italian company “Robbe di Kappa”, which provided sport outfit for our athletes. Official sponsor is “Efel motors” company, exclusive distributer for Toyota vehicles for Montenegrin market.

“In Beijing we will heve 13 water polo players, Marin Kuč, Milorad Gajović, Srđan Mrvaljević, two athletes and possibly one wrestler. In total it is 19 athletes, which is impressive number of Olymians for country having 650.000 inhabitants. Out of 205 National Olympic Committees in the IOC, 101 have less than six participants in Beijing, and we can be extremely proud on such sport and Olympic result”, stresses Simonović, explaining some doubdts regarding Montenegrin Olympic team participating at the OG 2008.

Asked about case of swimmer Matija Jauković, Simonivić said: “We have circled this issue. As Montenegrin Olympic Committee we did everything in our power for Matija to participate at the Games.”
He praised action of hotel “Splendid” in Bečići whose management allocated monthly allowance of 150 Euros to high jump talent, montenegrin athlete Marija Vuković. “It is very nice example. Marija is also one of our 50 scholars”, reminded president of the MOC.

At the end, he announced festive celebration of first year since the MOC has been accepted in the International Olympic Committee on 7th July.

Present media representatives got t-shirts made for young competitors running the race during the Olympic caravan. Beside logos of the MOC, First Bank and Telecom, at the back of the t-shirt is written Olympic moto “Faster, higher, stronger”.

MOC doesn’t make comercial arrangements

Montenegrin Olympic Committee doesn’t make comercial travel arrangements for Beijing Olympic Games, but exclusively deals with Montenegrin Olympic and sport delegation.

Although, MOC is ready to give information to all interested Montenegrin citizens who wish to go to Beijing regarding possibilities and ways of realising this wish. In that purpose, interested people can call 081 664-275, on working days, from 8 to 12 o’clock.

Cetinje, first phase of the Caravan

Olympic caravan projec is realised in cooperation with Athletic Federation of Montenegro and host municipalities of the Caravan.

In the first part of the event, elemntary school pupils will run 1.000 m race, following appropriate program.

After Cetinje, Caravan will visit Bijelo Polje, Rožaje, Kolašin, Nikšić, Berane, Kotor and Tivat, Budva, Ulcinj, Herceg Novi and Bar every week (including Sunday 27th April).

Last phase of the Olympic caravan will be in Podgorica, where on 13th July will be organised symbolic departure of our Olympians to Olympic Games.