Graphic designer Boris Ljubičić honored with the ICMG Order of Merit

The ICMG Order of Merit award ceremony in tribute to Mr. Boris Ljubičić

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Graphic designer Boris Ljubičić was honored with the Order of Merit, the highest distinction awarded by the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG), during a special ceremony held in Split, Croatia. The event was organized by the ICMG in collaboration with the Croatian Olympic Committee.

Mr. Ljubičić was the creative mind behind the emblem of the 1979 Mediterranean Games in Split, which later became the official symbol of the Games, contributing significantly to the lasting legacy of the Mediterranean Games. The Order of Merit was presented to Mr. Ljubičić by ICMG President Davide Tizzano, together with the ICMG Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis. The President of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Zlatko Mateša, offered to Mr. Ljubičić a commemorative box with the medals of the 1979 Mediterranean Games.

Boris Ljubičić presented the conceptual framework behind the three-circle emblem, which was a pioneering design at the time and adopted in various marketing formats for the 1979 Mediterranean Games.

In his speech, ICMG President Davide Tizzano stated: “I’m very happy to be here. I thank President Mateša for the hospitality. The Croatian Olympic Committee is a key pillar of the Mediterranean family—because we truly are a family. I am very proud of this logo with the three circles, as it carries a message: three continents embracing the Mediterranean basin.

Being the ICMG President is truly challenging because we are so different countries from Africa, Asia, and Europe, particularly the Balkans. But we hold in our hands a great power: sport. In a time when the world is surrounded by war and destruction, it is difficult to promote sport, but at the same time, we send a strong message that we can remain united through sport. This is the legacy of our organization, and these three circles show the path to the message of peace.”

ICMG Secretary General Iakovos Filippousis referred to the important contribution of the renowned Croatian graphic designer to the Mediterranean Games: «Mr. Ljubičić is not only the iconic creator of the emblem of the Mediterranean Games Split 1979, he is the artist who gave to our Games, a face, a symbol, a visual voice that transcends language and time. His emblem is much more than a logo, it is our Mediterranean signature. A powerful expression of unity in diversity of rhythm, energy and balance, echoing the waves of our shared sea, the harmony of competition and the joy of coming together. The Mediterranean Games’ timeless symbol – the one he created – continues to elevate the Mediterranean profile and our region pride on an international scale. It encaptures and expresses our strong commitment and ability to live united in our diversities, to live together in respect, resilience and peace. Tonight with deep gratitude and admiration we honor you, not only for for what you have created but for what you have inspired in all of us.”

The President of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Zlatko Mateša, emphasized Boris Ljubičić’s contribution to Croatia, stating: “Members of the ICMG, welcome to Split—the greatest sporting city in the world—thanks to the proportion of Olympic medals, which stands at 101 in relation to the city’s population. According to all estimates, the Mediterranean Games transformed this city, not only through sports infrastructure but also its general development. Speaking of my friend Boris, he is renowned not only for designing the first Croatian national football team uniform and the emblem of the Mediterranean Games, but his work is visible everywhere you walk in Croatia. His logos are part of our everyday environment. Boris, congratulations, you truly deserve this honor.”

The special ceremony took place at Villa Dalmacija in Split and was attended by prominent figures from politics and sports of Croatia, including the Mayor of Split, Tomislav Šuta, the Prefect of Split-Dalmatia County, Blaženko Boban, the former Mayor of Split, Andro Krstulović Opara, Olympians Milivoj Bebić and Josip Reić and the AIPS Secretary General Jura Ozmec.

Also in attendance were officials from the National Olympic Committees that are members of the ICMG, including: Albanian Olympic Committee President Fidel Ylli and Secretary General Gerti Shima, Kosovo Olympic Committee President Ismet Krasniqi, Croatian Olympic Committee Vice President Željko Jerkov and Secretary General Siniša Krajač, National Olympic Committee of Serbia Secretary General Djordje Višacki, Members of the ICMG Executive Committee and Presidents of the ICMG Commissions.

Αbout ICMG Order of Merit

The International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG) Order of Merit is an award recognizing exceptional contributions to the Mediterranean Games and the Olympic movement. It’s been bestowed upon individuals for their dedication and achievements in various fields, including design, sports administration, and overall contribution to the Olympic ideal.