The Montenegrin Olympic Committee (COK) organized a ceremony in Podgorica to celebrate the anniversary of the 15 years since the day, back in 2007, of its recognition  as National Olympic Committee.

Celebrating Olympic values, excellence, friendship and respect, the celebration was attended by representatives of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), twenty European National Committees, ministers of Montenegro, members of national sports federations and the biggest stars of Montenegrin sports. The International Committee of Mediterranean Games was also present with the Secretary General Mr. Iakovos Filippousis.

First, the COK President, Mr. Dušan Simonović, addressed the audience: “From the beginning of our establishment we want to continue our tradition and show Montenegrin sports the paths to the future. Our country was and remains an inexhaustible source of talented athletes. With the commitment to the mission of spreading Olympic ideas and messages, it is our duty to improve the conditions for them to train and to compete in world class events and make our people proud”.

Following President Simonović’s address, the guests were greeted by the Minister of Sports and Youth, Mr. Vasilije Lalošević, who highlighted the excellent cooperation between the Ministry and the National Olympic Committee and emphasized that the body in charge of sports in the country will continue to work in the best possible way. He also announced the imminent construction of the Olympic House and Museum in Podgorica.

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Mr. Tomas Bach, could not personally attend the celebration and sent a video message in which he highlighted the excellent cooperation between the IOC and the COK, recalling the excellent organization of the Games of the Small Countries of Europe in 2019 in Montenegro, the largest and most significant multi-sport event ever organized in the country.