2nd CISM Balkan Mountain Running Championship declared open

An opening ceremony for the second CISM Balkan Mountain Running Championship has been held at the Military Academy’s Sports Centre.



In his opening speech, the Commandant of the Military Academy, Col. Assoc. Prof. Srđan Blagojević, wished the participants the best of luck, emphasizing that sports have always created friendships.
 
- I take this opportunity to thank all participants for their response, because sports activities are a unique proof of our goodwill and determination to strengthen peace, security and cooperation throughout the world, where teamwork, courage and dignity are promoted in the most beautiful way - said Colonel Blagojević.



He emphasized the importance of sports for Serbia since it presents a positive image of Serbia as a special and successful country.
 
- Over the years, members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces have contributed to Serbia’s sporting glory, by demonstrating remarkable sports skills, not only at sports events organized by the International Military Sports Council, but also by achieving success at the Olympic Games. I am happy to share with you wonderful news that two members of the Military Academy’s sports unit will participate in the Olympic Games this year - said Blagojević.
 
According to Col. Assoc. Prof. Negovan Ivanković, Head of the Serbian Delegation to the CISM, a winning attitude has been built for years, as well as the belief that sports activities in the military environment are important for building top physical and mental fitness in members of the armed forces.



- I am particularly glad that through sports competitions, understanding, cooperation and friendships between members of the armed forces of various countries are being built, because we have gathered our forces to develop the Balkan Military Games project by holding regional Balkan military championships. It is really great that all participating countries’ mission members have the chance to feel the atmosphere and be a part of such magnificent sports events - said Colonel Ivanković.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić, who on this occasion was awarded the CISM Grand Officer Order of Merit for his commitment to the goals of sports and CISM ideals, Government Advisor Tanja Medved, Velizar Vemić, representative of the city of Vršac - co-organizer of the competition, representatives of state sporting institutions and members of the Ministry of Defence and the Serbian Armed Forces.



Representatives of seven Balkan CISM member states - Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Turkey, Slovenia and Serbia - will compete in the 2nd CISM Balkan Mountain Running Championship, which will be held on a circular route over Vršac Hill.