Agreement on cooperation between MOD and HOO signed

The signing ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Slavko Baric, MOD State Secretary Zeljko Gorsic, representatives of the Ministry of Defence, Armed Forces and the Croatian Olympic Committee, and a group of top Croatian sportsmen led by the holders of Olympic medals Martina Zubicic and Filip Ude.

The agreement stipulates the possibility of housing athletes in the military and sports facilities during sports events, logistical support of the MOD to the HOO in the organization of sports competitions, the possibility of joint planning of construction, conversion and development of sports facilities, shared use of sports facilities, the possibility of employing of top/categorized athletes in the Defence Ministry and Croatian Armed Forces, and other forms of cooperation.

After the signing of Agreement, HOO Chairman Matesa recalled that cooperation between the two organizations has been going on for some time.
“The signing of the agreement is a historic step for the Croatian sport, an event that will surely mark the years ahead”, Matesa said. Thanking the government and prime minister, Matesa emphasized the future Croatian Sailing Center in the Lora Naval Base, and the Croatian Centre for Olympic Martial Arts in the Kovcanje Base on Mali Losinj. Of utmost importance is the ability to employ top athletes in the CAF, which is the practice in other NATO member countries as well. By this there will be interaction between specific skills of athletes with those of Croatian soldiers, Chairman of the Croatian Olympic Committee concluded.

Defence Minister Vukelic believes that the Agreement opens a new dimension of cooperation, and future military and sports centres will be very useful for members of the Armed Forces. HOO will cover the cost of using facilities at favourable rates, but taking into account the possibilities of state and MOD budget. Talking about the employment opportunities of top athletes in the CAF, Vukelic said that it was sports that contribute to the development of military skills, and that their presence will certainly be helpful to the CAF. Also, by attending the major international military competitions, they will represent the Croatian Armed Forces and „I believe that we will be proud of their excellent results“, the Minister said.

The Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor described agreement as a real investment in the future, youth, Croatian sport and Olympic spirit. “I give it a full support as it will be in the future”, PM said. Athletes always spread the Croatian name around the world, and the agreement was praise and support for their efforts, work, success, and love toward the Homeland. Recruitment of athletes in the CAF is the right solution to their existential problems, said PM Kosor, with the conclusion that the agreement provided new opportunities for inclusion of children and youth in sport and this represents an investment in the most beautiful and best, and that is the Croatian youth.

Bronze Olympian from Beijing in taekwondo Martina Zubcic, on behalf of the athletes thanked for the support. “I am sure that the agreement will help us to progress in what we love”, Zubcic said. The Athlete also mentioned one example of successful cooperation, recently completed the seventh-day preparation of Croatian taekwondo team in the „Drgomalj“ barracks in Delnice. “I can say only kind words and thoughts about it. Thank you!”, Zubcic said.