Programs have been decided

According to received programs, the Ministry of culture, sports and media has formed a special commission composing of mr Dragan Drobnjak, dr Branko Jovanovic, member of the Executive Committee of the MOC, prof. dr Dusko Bjelica from the Faculty of Philosophy in Niksic, prof. dr Vojin Nikolic, recognized sport worker from Montenegro and Goran Kasalica, from the Ministry of culture, sports and media.

Taking into consideration all of those who sent their programs, relevant representatives appointed financial means to federations. The Handball Federation received the most - 250.000 euros, Water polo federation 180.000, Basketball and Volleyball Federations 115.000 each, University sport Federation 120.000, Football federation was given 100.000 euros etc.

Among present representatives there were also representatives of the federations who weren’t satisfied with this distribution, like for example, Savate Federation receiving 2.000 euros, after requesting much more. However, Deputy Minister for culture, sports and media Dragan Drobnjak, explained that only programs, and not federations, have received financing, and that the wotk of the Commission was transparent and based on three basic criteria, such as large membership, quality of sport achievements and expected results. Greatest part of the means distributed to federations is related to programs with international character, since the State of Montenegro is represented in the most transparent way at large international competitions.

Taekwondo federation is the only federation in Montenegro not included in this distribution, because there are some internal issues related to the operation of this association. For that reason, it was decided to not make distribution of financial means to this sports organisation.

DUŠAN SIMONOVIĆ, PRESIDENT OF THE MOC

There will be more money

– I hope that until the end of this year, we will find the same or similar way do distribute some more money, and create circumstances so that our young people involved in sport can have good conditions for preparations and participation in competitions. I think that this will be good impulse for the development of sport, which already has good foundations.

Wherever we show up, we are faced with the sympathy and a bit of envy from the large and powerful countries, who should achieve better results than us according to their size, tradition and financial means, but still don't. I would like to thank the Ministry for its extraordinary contribution, and I hope that we will not be forgotten until the end of this year, as well as the years that follow – said the President of the MOC Dušan Simonovic.

The President mentioned that Montenegro will participate at the Summer Universiade in Bangkok, which will be a great opportunity for promotion and to win some medals.

PREDRAG SEKULIC

Sport and culture are the best promoters

– I think that sport and culture are the two of most beautiful things one country can use to promote itself abroad. We have to nourish and respect that.

Results that Montenegro has achieved in the previous period give us the right to expect more. As for the State of Montenegro and the Ministry, first of all, trough the amendments of the Law on sports, we will find the way to support our athletes on their preparations, as well as the activities of the national teams. There are 1000 clubs in Montenegro, with over 35.000 athletes, and it gives me great pleasure that our country is breathing in the sports spirit -  said the Minister Predrag Sekulic.

A.M.