Over a thousand people from five continents took part in the fourth Croatian World Games.For all of the participants the aspect of socialising and meeting fellow ethnic Croatians from around the world were more important than the competitive aspect of the event.
The fourth Croatian World Games, an amateur competitive sports event for Croatians and their descendants from around the world, wrapped up on the 22nd of July. The games were officially declared closed with the presentation of medals to the most successful competitors.
Over a thousand people from five continents took part in the fourth Croatian World Games. The participants were more than delighted with the five days of competition and socialising. For all of them the aspect of socialising and meeting fellow ethnic Croatians from around the world were more important than the competitive aspect of the event. The memories and friendships forged will be lasting.
ZvonkoMilas, the state secretary at the helm of the State Office for Croats Abroad, noted that the biggest takeaway from the games is the fantastic unity shown by Croatians coming from all parts of the globe. “In these five days we had 1,200 people here from five continents, from across the world. This, then, can be achieved in terms of the organisation effort. What has delighted me the most in the sporting spirit these people have demonstrated in this competition is that unity always stood above winning. Having a good time, overcoming obstacles – linguistic, cultural, generational and geographic. They all overcame these obstacles and they were all as one, with the sense of belonging to a single nation, a sense that this is the capital of all Croatians, that Croatia is their country and their home. We will all be happy if we have stimulated a desire in these people to come to Croatia, perhaps even to live here. But, in any event, that they continue to visit and participate in events like this one that will bring them together,” Milas said.
VinkoSabljo, the president of the Croatian World Congress, thanked everyone, on behalf of the participants, for the warm welcome. “Croatia welcomed us like a true mother. Thanks to everyone. I am especially proud of our youth – both those visiting from abroad and those living here in Croatia. I can say that these games were very good, successful, and above all I can say that these people looked forward more to meeting one another than to the outcome of the competitive aspect of the games. It was not winning they were interested in, but rather socialising and creating friendships,” Sabljo said.
Jelena Vukičević Pavić, the deputy mayor of the City of Zagreb, under the auspices of which the games were held, said that Zagreb would always welcome our young people with open arms. “I am confident that these games will be indelible memories and that you will continue with the same level of pride to nurture your Croatian identity and culture,” Vukičević Pavić said.
The presentation of medals to the best competitors in all of the sports disciplines represented at the games was staged at Club Roko near the Stjepan Radić student dormitory complex where the participants were lodged. The fun continued with a concert featuring Miroslav Škoro.
The fourth Croatian World Games were organised by the State Office for Croats Abroad and the Croatian World Congress.
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