On the eve of the European Universities Games Zagreb – Rijeka 2016 Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović received athletes, competitors at the Games, and the representatives of international and national sport associations of academic sport.
Wishing the athletes much success and a pleasant and unforgettable stay in Croatia, President Grabar-Kitarović said that sport venues have always been sites where not just sport rivalry took place, but also new friendships were made and prejudices were overcome. ‘Simply said, sport brings us together and makes us better’, the President emphasized. She also added that since Croatian independence until today, Croatian athletes have represented Croatia in the best possible way, have promoted true sport and human values and have shown that defending the colors of one’s country is not just a big obligation but an honor as well.
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She said that the priority of every modern country should be a systematic development of sport, especially introducing children to sport activities from an early age and including amateurs of every age. One of the biggest priorities should be the development of high school and university sport, at competition and recreational levels. ‘Investing in sport manifests itself through the health of the nation’, said President Grabar-Kitarović.
Expressing her belief that the Organizing Committee will, with the help of volunteers and the support of Croatian citizens, especially inhabitants of Zagreb and Rijeka, meet all expectations of the competitors and numerous guests. President Grabar-Kitarović pointed out that this will open the door for Croatia to organize other big sporting events in the future.
Thanking everybody on their hard work and effort in the organization of the Games, the Croatian President expressed her belief that people of Zagreb and Rijeka will be good hosts and root wholeheartedly for everybody. ‘Sport connects people! Let’s show our unity during the Games, through a healthy sport rivalry’, said President Grabar-Kitarović.
