Today, the III Regular Assembly of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee (MOC) took place in Podgorica. It was attended by 35 out of 51 delegates. At the beginning, the President of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, Dušan Simonović, addressed the attendees. After the introductory speech, the Working Presidency and the Verification Commission were appointed. "The period from the previous Assembly until today has been challenging for us as an organization, but we have faced all obstacles bravely and decisively. This year is a pre-Olympic year, which makes it inherently more complex than previous years and more demanding due to the numerous multi-sport competitions we have participated in and those that lie ahead. Our athletes have competed or will compete in two EYOFs, the Games of the Small States of Europe, and the European Games. Furthermore, next year we have the pinnacle event of the Olympic cycle - the Olympic Games in Paris". President Simonović expressed his gratitude to the athletes, coaches, and staff for their tireless work and dedication. "I look forward to our joint journey towards reaching new sporting heights and achieving outstanding results". During the Assembly, the Financial Report for the year 2022 was approved, including the Independent Auditor's Report on financial operations, as well as the report from the Supervisory Board. The proposal for the financial plan for the year 2023 was also adopted. The agenda included reports on the participation of Montenegrin athletes in the Winter EYOF in Friuli Venezia Giulia, the Games of the Small States of Europe in Malta, the European Games in Krakow, as well as preparations for the Summer EYOF, which will be held in Maribor at the end of July. Additionally, the first annual report on the implementation of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee's Strategy was adopted. This report is a crucial document for the long-term development of the national sports organization in Montenegro. It clearly demonstrated significant achievements in the first year of implementing the Strategy. The delegates unanimously approved the Safeguarding Policy of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, which aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals involved in sports and other activities of the MOC. It also promotes the principles of integrity and protection. As a member of the Olympic family, the Montenegrin Olympic Committee is committed to an approach that does not tolerate any form of negative phenomena in sports, such as discrimination, violence, abuse, corruption, doping, among others. Such behaviour will not be tolerated within the MOC or in any activities associated with it. The Safeguarding Policy includes definitions of key concepts, context and framework, roles and responsibilities, applicable laws, and requirements for national sports organizations. In accordance with this Policy, the MOC will develop operational documents that will assist in the practical implementation of the policy, including a Code of Conduct, reporting procedures, protection mechanisms, protocols, and recommendations for national sports organizations, in line with international standards and guidelines on safeguarding. The Safeguarding Policy is the result of extensive work and collaboration with relevant national and international experts and organizations. All definitions, requirements, and measures are aligned with various sources and international recommendations. Special attention has been given to defining basic concepts, concepts related to the protection of vulnerable groups, and protective measures. The members of the MOC Assembly made the decision to admit the Rugby Association of Montenegro and the Dance Association of Montenegro as members.
