After the first day, which was marked by the participation of over 100 athletes, the second day focused on education for coaches, attracting more than 70 participants.In the opening remarks, Neven Šavora, Director of the Croatian Olympic Committee’s Office for National Sports Federations and Development Programmes, and Morana Paliković Gruden, initiator of the project and President of the Committee’s Gender Equality in Sport Commission, invited the coaches to contribute to the project with their ideas and proposals. Four lectures followed, delivered by distinguished experts closely connected to the thematic area.The second day began with a lecture by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zrinka Greblo Jurakić from the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Croatian Studies in Zagreb, on the topic “Safe Sport – The Foundation of Athletes’ Personal and Professional Development.” Like the day before with the athletes, she first highlighted both the positive and negative effects of sport, stressing that the imperative of results must never come at the expense of athletes’ well-being. Speaking about the types of violence and their potential consequences, she conveyed the message that only a safe sporting environment can lead to top-level performance. She concluded by encouraging coaches to familiarize themselves with the rights and mechanisms for protection against all forms of violence.The Ombudsperson for Children, Helenca Pirnat Dragičević, and clinical psychologist Ella Selak Bagarić, Head of the Youth Health Centre, presented on the topic “Recognising Violence Among Athletes – Cyberbullying and Sexual Violence.” As coaches are defined as key bearers of culture, safety, and dignity in sport, the lecture aimed to motivate, encourage, and empower them to actively contribute to building sports environments that are developmentally stimulating, emotionally safe, and legally compliant for children and youth. During the presentation, an anonymous survey was conducted on the biggest risks to children's safety in sport. The answers were very concrete: incompetent coaches, peer violence, overambitious parents, pressure from coaches and parents to achieve results, and exhausted coaches who also serve as drivers on long trips...Dr. Igor Jukić, Director of the Centre for Research and Development of Elite Sports Preparation, spoke on the dual role of the coach: “The Sports Coach – Provider and Seeker of Protection.” Regarding the relationship with athletes, he laid out an “evolutionary” process: person – athlete – player – winner. He pointed out that the increasing number of competitions today is reducing training time, posing a threat to athletes’ health, and noted that a more democratic coaching style (even if less popular in practice) can result in fewer injuries. He emphasized communication and striving for harmony as the foundation of everything. He concluded that coaches also have the right to a safe environment, free from social pressure and pressures from fans, parents, and journalists.The two-day education concluded with a lecture by mental coach Sandra Đurijanček titled “Recognising and Coping With Stress and Pressure to Achieve Results.” After introducing the coaches to mental training, types and consequences of stress, circles of control, focus, and intensity, she offered many useful tips. She emphasized the importance of setting attainable goals that can gradually increase; supporting athletes with praise even for small improvements; and encouraging and motivating them towards further goals without creating pressure. Since mistakes are a natural part of the process and performance can never be 100% all the time, she advised avoiding critical tones in communication and instead using recap-oriented language: What could have been done better?The Zagreb education “Safe Sport Days – A Place Where Conversation Begins” is just the beginning of the Croatian Olympic Committee’s long-term project to create a safe sporting environment and new standards in Croatian sport.

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Zagreb, 15 May 2025 – The two-day education programme “Safe Sport Days – A Place Where Conversation Begins,” aimed at combating and preventing violence in sport, concluded at the premises of the Croatian Olympic Committee in Zagreb.

Over 70 Croatian Coaches Attended the Second Day of the Croatian Olympic Committee’s Education on Safe Sport Environments

The first day of the two-day event, focused on sport as a safe environment for all stakeholders, was opened by Croatian Olympic Committee President Zlatko Mateša. He emphasized the importance of such gatherings, noting that parents need to be aware of the environment in which they are placing their children for training. He added that, given Croatia’s poor demographic picture, the mission is to attract as many children as possible to sport from a small base of about 700,000 people under the age of 19.Renowned Olympian and Croatian Olympic Committee Vice President Barbara Matić highlighted the importance of feeling safe in sport, “as many athletes spend a large part of their lives in it.” She told young athletes they must not tolerate any form of discrimination or violence. This message was echoed by Morana Paliković Gruden, Chair of the Croatian Olympic Committee’s Gender Equality in Sport Commission, who stressed that the most important thing is to become aware of and recognize the problem, and to find methods for addressing and eliminating it.On the topic “What is Safe Sport?”, Associate Professor Dr. Zrinka Greblo Jurakić from the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, and a member of the EU Council’s international expert team on safeguarding in sport, gave a powerful presentation. One particularly engaging part addressed both the positive and negative potentials of sport. She pointed out that “in environments where athletes’ personal well-being is subordinated to athletic success, various forms of abusive behavior are more frequent, which can have a strong negative impact on athletes’ physical and mental health, performance, and motivation to continue participating in sport.”During the interactive lecture “STOP Violence in Sport: Recognizing Online and Sexual Violence,” the Ombudsperson for Children, Helenca Pirnat Dragičević, and clinical psychologist Ella Selak Bagarić, head of the Youth Health Centre, managed to actively engage the audience and obtain some relevant responses. The Ombudsperson stated that 52 reports related to child protection in sport were received last year, but none were submitted by athletes themselves. She emphasized that athletes have the right to protect their physical and mental integrity and to operate in a violence-free environment, and that they are obligated not to remain silent but to report any misconduct to the appropriate authorities. Psychologist Selak Bagarić pointed out that violence in sport increasingly manifests through digital communication channels, especially social media. As for sexual violence—a very complex form of interpersonal abuse—she warned that it may be masked by authority, closed structures, and a culture of silence in sport.In the third lecture, titled “Coping with Pressure: How Your Behavior Can Change Your Path to Success?”, mental coach Sandra Đurijanček also managed to engage athletes in active participation. Concepts such as mental training, positive and negative stress, intensity and focus, and circles of control were familiar to many participants, who now received guidance on how to manage them in daily life, particularly in relation to training and competition rhythms.The panel discussion “The Coach–Athlete Relationship Over Time” featured honest and experience-based insights from current and former athletes: Damir Martin and Mirna Rajle Brođanac (rowing), Matea Parlov Koštro and Andrea Ivančević Petrač (athletics), Mia Šimunić (water polo, now head coach of the women’s national team), and coaching duo Mladen Katalinić (athletics) and Dinko Kremić (wrestling).Reflecting on the event, surveyed athletes most often described the education as: useful, necessary, educational, interesting, and encouraging. PROGRAMME – DAY 2 OF THE EDUCATION EVENT On Thursday, 15 May, from 10:00 to 14:00, the Croatian Olympic Committee will host the second day of the education programme, designed this time for coaches.The session will open with Dr. Zrinka Greblo Jurakić’s lecture “Safe Sport – The Foundation of Athletes’ Personal and Professional Development” (10:15). This will be followed by a joint presentation from Ombudsperson for Children Helenca Pirnat Dragičević and clinical psychologist Ella Selak Bagarić titled “Recognizing Violence Among Athletes – Cyberbullying and Sexual Violence” (10:50). At 11:50, Dr. Igor Jukić, Director of the Centre for Research and Development of High-Performance Sports Training, will speak on “The Sports Coach – Provider and Seeker of Protection.”The two-day programme will conclude at 12:30 with a lecture by mental coach Sandra Đurijanček titled “Recognizing and Coping with Stress and Performance Pressure.”

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Zagreb, 14 May 2025 – More than 100 athletes took part in the Croatian Olympic Committee’s education event titled “Safe Sport Days – Where the Conversation Begins,” held at the premises of the national Olympic association in Zagreb.

Over 100 Athletes Participated in the Croatian Olympic Committee’s Safeguarding in Sport Education; Thursday Dedicated to Education for Coaches

Under the title “Reducing CO2 Footprint in Sport: Understanding Your Impact and Driving Change,” the conference highlighted the connection between the sports sector and climate goals, as well as the need for a systematic approach to sustainability. Through panels and presentations, the challenges and progress achieved by sports institutions within the project were showcased.As part of the discussion “The OCEAN Project Through the Experience of 18 Climate Officers,” the importance of education, shared learning, and the exchange of experiences among national Olympic committees was emphasized. Special focus was placed on the conclusion that sustainability must not be treated as an isolated project, but rather as a fundamental principle of every organization’s operations.The Croatian Olympic Committee was the only project partner to deliver an individual presentation at the conference, sharing the results of its work on reducing its carbon footprint. The presentation, delivered by EU Funds and International Cooperation manager Ante Ćosić and Secretariat Office Coordinator Matea Horvat, highlighted key achievements made through systematic data collection, CO₂ footprint calculation, and the implementation of concrete sustainability measures. Their presentation was recognised as a positive example among participants, positioning the Croatian Olympic Committee as a leader in driving change. During the event, the main outcomes of the OCEAN project were also presented, intended for all sports organizations – including those not directly involved in the project consortium:<ul><li>a practical handbook for climate officers,</li><li>a carbon footprint calculator developed in collaboration with the Öko-Institut,</li><li>a collection of strategies and measures for emission reduction,</li><li>the OCEAN Toolbox digital platform, which consolidates all key resources and tools.</li></ul>In the closing part of the conference, it was emphasized that the OCEAN project does not mark an end, but rather the beginning of a long-term sustainability movement in sport. Symbolic tokens of appreciation were awarded to all climate officers who played a key role in shaping sustainable solutions within their organizations throughout the project.

On May 13, 2025, the final conference of the OCEAN project – Olympic Committees of Europe Approaching Carbon Neutrality – was held in Brussels. The event brought together national Olympic committees, experts, and project partners from across Europe. The focus was on promoting sustainable practices in sports organizations and encouraging concrete actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Croatian Olympic Committee Highlights Sustainability Progress at OCEAN Closing Event

The panel featured notable guests including&nbsp;Maja Peković, Deputy Secretary General&nbsp;from the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, representatives of the European Esports Federation, and&nbsp;Vlad Marinescu, former President of the International Esports Federation (IESF). The conversation centered around the evolving role of esports in the Olympic landscape, especially in light of the highly anticipated&nbsp;first Olympic Esports Games scheduled for 2027.Discussions addressed the current regulatory challenges within the esports ecosystem and the expectations toward the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to provide more guidance on integration pathways. The panelists emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaborative efforts between esports and traditional sports stakeholders.There was strong consensus that&nbsp;esports represents a vital part of the future of sport, but regulatory alignment remains a challenge. With constructive dialogue and multi-sector cooperation, participants expressed optimism that an effective and respectful model of collaboration can be achieved—bringing esports and traditional sports closer under the shared values of the Olympic movement.

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Last weekend,&nbsp;Maja Poljak, EU Funds and International Cooperation Coordinator at the Croatian Olympic Committee&nbsp;(COC), represented the organization at the&nbsp;Montenegro Future Festival&nbsp;and&nbsp;European Gaming Summit&nbsp;in Bar, Montenegro. She participated in a panel discussion titled&nbsp;“Esports in the Olympic Movement – The Road to Full Recognition.”

Croatian Olympic Committee at Montenegro Future Festival: the Future of Esports in the Olympic Movement

The laureates of the seventh edition of the award, which is given for lifetime achievement, include four distinguished individuals and one sports association: former volleyball player, now sports official and member of the Croatian Olympic Committee Council, Snježana Jurinić (nominated by the Sports Association of the City of Zadar); professor of physical and health education Ankica Mustapić (former employee of the Croatian School Sports Federation, nominated by the Croatian Olympic Committee); former handball player and referee, now prominent sports official Veljko Karabaić (nominated by the Sports Association of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County); versatile official, sponsor, and initiator of sports infrastructure projects Željko Maletić (nominated by the Sports Association of the Bjelovar-Bilogora County); and the Sports Association of the Istria County, represented at the ceremony by its president Mladen Pavićević.Following the performance of the national anthem by the Klapa Sebeniko ensemble, the ceremony at the Knin Museum Gallery was opened with welcoming speeches by Marko Jelić, Prefect of the Šibenik-Knin County; Marijo Ćaćić, Mayor of Knin; and Siniša Krajač, Secretary General of the Croatian Olympic Committee. Also in attendance were Hrvoje Balen, Director of the Croatian Olympic Committee Office for Local Sports Programs; Josip Bebek, President of the Knin City Sports Association; and Brigadier Mirko Stošić, Commander of the Mechanized Guard Brigade. The Milan Neralić Award was established by the Croatian Olympic Committee in 2019 on the initiative of the current Secretary General, Siniša Krajač. In addition to a written charter, the award includes a sculpture inspired by Neralić’s life and work as the first Croatian athlete to compete at the Olympic Games and win an Olympic medal (bronze in fencing at the 1900 Paris Games). The sculpture was created in collaboration with the Academy of Fine Arts at the University of Zagreb, based on the winning design of student Matija Gajić Puškarić. The sculpture represents the act of offering a sword, with a gentle bow symbolizing respect. The flame of the Olympic symbol on the chest represents Neralić’s passion and love for sport. Positioned near the heart and above a cushion with the laid sword, it gives the impression of transferring that passion and love for sport to the award recipient. The statue of Neralić erected in Slunj in 2022 was entirely modeled after the sculpture of the same name used for this Croatian Olympic Committee award.The Croatian Olympic Committee extends its gratitude to the Knin City Sports Association and the City of Knin for hosting the 7th edition of the Milan Neralić Award ceremony. ABOUT MILAN NERALIĆMilan Neralić was born on February 26, 1875, in Slunj, where he completed his primary education. He was first introduced to fencing during his military service in Karlovac, and in 1885, he was sent to Wiener Neustadt in Austria to attend the Military Institute for Fencing and Physical Training Instructors. In 1908, he moved to Berlin, where he worked until 1914 as a coach in both civilian and military clubs. Representing Austria at the 2nd modern Olympic Games in Paris in 1900, Neralić competed in the sabre event among professional instructors, achieving four victories out of seven bouts and earning a historic bronze medal. In 1912, he organized a fencing academy in Slunj, where he performed alongside his wife Wilhelmina—a major sensation at the time. His every return to his homeland was announced and followed with great attention. He passed away on February 17, 1918, in Vienna and was buried at the central city cemetery in the 11th district of Vienna.

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Knin, May 7, 2025 – The City of Knin and the Knin City Sports Association hosted the award ceremony for the traditional Milan Neralić Award, which the Croatian Olympic Committee presents annually for outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of sports at the local level.

Croatian Olympic Committee Presents 7th Annual ‘Milan Neralić’ Award Honouring Outstanding Contributions to Local Sport in Knin

To support sports organizations in implementing safeguarding measures, the Croatian Olympic Committee will conduct an educational program titled Sport Safety Days – A Place Where Conversation Begins on May 14 and 15 as part of the For Safe Sport project. The focus will be especially on athletes involved in the Croatian Olympic Committee’s programs, who will receive materials to help them recognize risks and understand how to report inappropriate behavior.The sessions, held at the Croatian Olympic Committee headquarters in Zagreb, will be tailored to different roles in sport – from athletes (May 14) to coaches (May 15) – ensuring that all participants gain the knowledge and tools necessary to create a safe sporting environment. This positive campaign aims to raise awareness and educate all stakeholders on the protection of children and athletes in sports settings, while also addressing the protection of coaches from societal, parental, and club-level pressures.Current and former elite athletes will significantly contribute to the project and education, including Martin and Valent Sinković, Marin Čilić, Barbara Matić, Miran Maričić, Domagoj Duvnjak, Ivan Martinović, Filip Glavaš, Matea Parlov Koštro, Iva Rožić, Jana Koščak, Snježana Pejčić, Vlado Šola, and Andrea Ivančević Petrač.Coaching support comes from Igor Čordaš (athletics), Mia Šimunić (water polo), Vladimir Mađarević (gymnastics), and many other distinguished guests, such as the Ombudsperson for Children Helenca Pirnat Dragičević, Chair of the Croatian Olympic Committee’s Gender Equality in Sport Commission Morana Paliković Gruden, Professor Igor Jukić, and psychologists Zrinka Greblo Jurakić and Ella Selak Bagarić. The message from the education's title – A Place Where Conversation Begins – serves as a reminder that the first step toward change is not a law, regulation, or protocol. On the contrary, the first step is conversation – honest, safe, and well-facilitated conversation where everyone has the right to be heard.This idea is also reflected in the project logo, which depicts a locked space being opened by a key – because safety begins where there is space for trust, for questions, and for support.

Zagreb, April 29, 2025 – Sport should be a place where everyone feels safe, respected, and dignified, regardless of gender, background, religion, ability, or any other characteristic – but that is not always the case. Violence, harassment, and abuse unfortunately exist even in sports.

Education “Sport Safety Days – A Place Where Conversation Begins”, May 14–15, Led by the Croatian Olympic Committee, Focuses on Combating Violence in Sport

As the only valid candidate who met all the requirements, his new four-year term was unanimously confirmed by the Council of the Croatian Olympic Committee at its 11th regular session, held on Thursday in Zagreb. His second term will begin upon the conclusion of the current one, on 10 May 2025.Krajač joined the Croatian Olympic Committee in 2001 from the Sports Department of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia. Four years ago, he assumed the current position after serving as Assistant Secretary General for Local Sport Programs. During his first term as the main operational lead of the Croatian Olympic Committee, he contributed to overcoming the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sports system, significantly supported the revitalization of sports infrastructure and sports activities in the earthquake-affected Banovina region, and played a key role in the relocation of the Croatian Olympic Committee to its own premises in mid-2024. - I thank the members of the Council for their renewed trust. I deeply believe that over the next four years we will continue our excellent cooperation for the benefit of Croatian athletes and Croatian sport as a whole,” said the reappointed Secretary General of the Croatian Olympic Committee. Among other decisions of the Croatian Olympic Committee Council at its 11th session, notable ones include amendments and updates to the beneficiaries of development programs for athletes and coaches. As of 1 April, Ivona Gavran and Križan Rajič (weightlifting), and Anamarija Turk (shooting) were included in the pre-Olympic program (RP V). The Croatian Wrestling Federation proposed, and the Council of the Croatian Olympic Committee accepted, the replacement of the youth coach program beneficiary: as of 1 April, long-time national team member Božo Starčević, now a coach at HK Metalac, has taken over from coach Nenad Žugaj, who stepped down due to a new job position.Financial support was approved for 24 beneficiaries under special programs for encouraging and developing sport at the local level in 2025.The Council also adopted the rules of procedure for nine Croatian Olympic Committee commissions: the Medical Commission, the Gender Equality in Sport Commission, the Sports Facilities and Environment Commission, the International Relations Commission, the Sport Development Commission, the Digitalisation and Digital Media Commission, the Marketing Commission, the Information and Publishing Commission, and the Dual Career in Sport Commission.Following a request from the Ministry of Tourism and Sport for an opinion on the interest in granting Croatian citizenship to certain athletes, the Croatian Olympic Committee gave a positive opinion regarding three baseball players: Zach Robert Plesac, Rendall Asher Wojciechowski, and Joseph Thomas Terdoslavich, all proposed by the Croatian Baseball Federation.The Council of the Croatian Olympic Committee also approved non-material sponsorships for the World Carp Fishing Championship (Đakovo, 17–20 September 2025), the European Cup “Zagreb Open 2025” in kickboxing (Varaždin, 1–4 May 2025), and the “Damir Zrilić” Memorial Boxing Tournament (Zadar, 11 May 2025). The Croatian Olympic Committee’s Milan Neralić Award Ceremony for outstanding contributions to local sports will be held on 7 May in Knin, while the next Council session is scheduled for 15 May in Zagreb. (hoo/vk) CURRICULUM VITAE OF SECRETARY GENERAL SINIŠA KRAJAČ: <a href="https://www.hoo.hr/page/681" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hoo.hr/page/681</a>

Zagreb, 24 April 2025 – Master of Kinesiology Siniša Krajač (56) has been reappointed as Secretary General of the Croatian Olympic Committee for the 2025–2029 term.

Siniša Krajač Appointed to a New Four-Year Term (2025–2029) as Secretary General of the Croatian Olympic Committee

The Croatian Olympic Committee is actively participating in the international OCEAN project (Olympic Committees of Europe Approaching Carbon Neutrality), which brings together National Olympic Committees from across Europe to reduce CO₂ emissions and promote sustainability in sport. As part of the project, the Croatian Olympic Committee has developed its own CO₂ Reduction Strategy, now published on the official website.The strategy outlines specific measures aimed at reducing emissions related to office operations, business travel, procurement, event organization, and energy efficiency. Key actions include a shift toward more sustainable transportation methods, purchasing products with a lower environmental footprint, promoting digital communication, and better monitoring of energy consumption. A major milestone in this effort will be the relocation to a new building owned by the Croatian Olympic Committee, which will allow for more efficient energy use and improved control over consumption data.Although the OCEAN project officially concludes in May 2025, the Croatian Olympic Committee remains committed to continuing the implementation of its strategy, reaffirming its dedication to environmental sustainability and long-term impact.The OCEAN project is coordinated by the European Olympic Committees and co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme. Throughout the project, National Olympic Committees have been exchanging knowledge, building capacity, and developing tools for measuring and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Croatian Olympic Committee is proud to contribute to this shared goal and demonstrate that the world of sport can be a driver of positive change in the face of climate challenges. 👉 You can download the Croatian Olympic Committee’s CO₂ Reduction Strategy <a href="https://dev.hoo.hr/dokumenti/NOC-Croatia-CO2-Reduction-Strategy.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

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The Croatian Olympic Committee has taken an important step towards climate responsibility by developing and publishing its first strategy focused on reducing its carbon footprint. This initiative is part of the wider European OCEAN project aimed at helping National Olympic Committees become more sustainable.

Croatian Olympic Committee publishes its CO₂ reduction strategy as part of the OCEAN project

By raising white cards into the air, accomplished judokas led by Olympic gold medalist Barbara Matić expressed their support for the international “White Card” campaign, which symbolizes commitment to peace efforts around the world. Prior to them, Croatian women’s handball players had done the same, continuing the tradition set by their male counterparts, who were long-time participants in this commendable initiative. To recall, based on a proposal by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the United Nations (UN), the UN General Assembly declared 6 April as the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 23 August 2013. It is on this date in 1896 that the first modern Olympic Games were opened in Athens. In September 2015, the UN adopted the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which highlights the essential role of sport in promoting development and peace, tolerance, and mutual respect among people. Celebrating this day also increases awareness of the positive impact sport can have on the advancement of human rights, as well as social and economic development.

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Zagreb, Dubrovnik, 6 April 2025 – Athletes have once again joined the traditional celebration of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April), organized annually by the Croatian United Nations Association (CUNA) in cooperation with its partners. This year marks the 12th consecutive time athletes have taken part. Following the handball players, members of the national judo team also joined the initiative.

By Raising White Cards, Judokas Join Handball Players in Marking the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (6 April)

The IOC has published a comprehensive document highlighting global best practice examples in the field of gender equality. The “Women’s Voice in Sport” project, and through it the Croatian Olympic Committee, is featured on page 19 of the document. Following a series of successful workshops held in major cities across Croatia, the “Women’s Voice in Sport” project is expected to continue in smaller local communities in the near future. Link to the Croatian Olympic Committee’s project “Women’s Voice in Sport”: <a href="https://www.hoo.hr/page/674/1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.hoo.hr/page/674/1</a>

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Zagreb, 5 April 2025 – The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has once again recognized the “Women’s Voice in Sport” project, which has been implemented for several years by the Croatian Olympic Committee’s Gender Equality in Sport Commission, led by its Chair, Morana Paliković Gruden, in collaboration with her team and partner organizations.

Recognition for Morana Paliković Gruden’s Project – IOC Lists “Women’s Voice in Sport” as a Global Best Practice Example

This ambitious project, co-funded by the Erasmus+ program, aims to promote gender equality and support dual careers for young female athletes aged 14 to 26.The project brings together seven partners from six European countries (Croatia, Finland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Greece, Portugal, and Ukraine) and focuses on addressing key challenges in the sports sector. Key outcomes include the development of educational resources through six learning modules, the creation of an innovative web platform with 24 online courses and assessment tools, and the establishment of a virtual community and mentorship program for young female athletes.During the meeting in Zagreb, project management and quality assurance plans were established, key partner roles were defined, and steps were outlined for research on the needs of young female athletes. Plans for the development of educational materials and the web platform were also presented, which will provide young athletes with essential knowledge and skills for future coaching and management roles in sports organizations.The next steps of the project include conducting research among young athletes and sports professionals, developing an educational program, and beginning the creation of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The GENDERWISE project is a significant contribution to the European Union's efforts to promote gender equality in sports, providing young female athletes with the support needed to develop dual careers. The Croatian Olympic Committee is proud to be part of this initiative, which contributes to creating a more inclusive and fair sporting environment.

The Croatian Olympic Committee took part in the first TPM of the GENDERWISE project, held in Zagreb on 11–12 March and organized by the Private Economic Sports Gymnasium (PESG).

The Croatian Olympic Committee Participates in the First Meeting of the GENDERWISE Project

Workshop 1: Active Start for SOS FamiliesThe first workshop was dedicated to SOS mothers, aunts, and preschoolers. Activities began with a 30-minute workout led by Prof. Dr. Romana Caput-Jogunica, where participants engaged in tailored exercises to enhance motor skills, physical activity, and teamwork.While the youngest participants enjoyed coloring books from the Croatian Olympic Academy after the training, SOS mothers and aunts attended an educational session on healthy nutrition. Mag. Pharm. Mimi Vurdelja, HOO’s Head of Healthcare and Nutritionist, emphasized the importance of a balanced diet for both children and adults. Workshop 2: Olympic Spirit in Primary SchoolThe second workshop brought together students from SOS Children's Village and Lekenik Primary School, focusing on Olympic values and the importance of sports. Through interactive games and discussions, children learned about fair play, perseverance, and healthy habits.A demonstration training session with sports equipment followed, led by educators from the Croatian Olympic Academy. Children had the opportunity to try different sports techniques, acquire basic skills, and understand how regular physical activity can improve their health and overall well-being. Sports as a Tool for Inclusion and DevelopmentThis visit highlighted the significance of sports as a means for personal development, health, and inclusion, demonstrating how community support can positively impact both young and adult participants in challenging life situations.HOO, in collaboration with the Croatian Olympic Academy, continues its initiatives to promote sports and healthy lifestyles among children and youth. Special support for the SURE project was provided by the Regional Union of Sport Associations and Federations of Sisak-Moslavina County. For more information on the Erasmus+ SURE project, visit <a href="https://www.engso-education.eu/sure-project/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Representatives of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO) visited SOS Children's Village Lekenik as part of the Erasmus+ SURE project, aiming to promote sports, healthy lifestyles, and community bonding through interactive workshops.

Representatives of the Croatian Olympic Committee Visit SOS Children's Village Lekenik: Inspiring Workshops for Children and SOS Families

This two-year project (January 2024 - December 2025), carried out by the National Olympic Committees of Poland (coordinator), Croatia, Ukraine, and Greece, alongside the Polish Institute of Sports Management and the European Network for Innovation and Knowledge (EUNIK), aims to enhance leadership skills among elite athletes, coaches, and staff members of National Olympic Committees and National Federations, through a series of workshops and a mentoring program.The meeting began with a warm welcome from Voula Kozompoli OLY, Chair of the Athletes' Commission of the Hellenic Olympic Committee. Partners then discussed and finalized the topics for online workshops that will be launched following the completion of the second survey, which mapped the current understanding of leadership skills. These workshops will be led by researchers from the Institute of Sports Management and local experts.So far, the National Olympic Committees of Poland and Croatia have successfully conducted their introductory workshops, with Ukraine and Greece to follow. Each participating country has selected 20 participants, totaling 80 participants in the project. After the workshops conclude in June 2025, a mentoring program will begin, with four outstanding participants chosen from each country—16 mentees in total. Under the guidance of distinguished mentors, these mentees will develop and implement impactful leadership projects.Partners again expressed their excitement and high expectations for the initiative and confirmed the agreement for the September meeting, where they will evaluate the results of the workshops and mentoring program in their respective countries.&nbsp;(hoo)

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February 18, 2025 – The Greek Olympic Committee proudly hosted the 3rd transnational project meeting of the Erasmus+ project "Olympic Committees Leadership Programme – OCLP" at its headquarters in Athens.

After the Successful Workshop in Croatia, the 3rd Transnational Meeting of the Erasmus+ Project "Olympic Committees Leadership Programme – OCLP" Held in Athens

Over the course of two days, participants engaged in a series of expert presentations, technical discussions, and collaborative workshops to set the stage for the project’s first phase. Day 1&nbsp;provided a comprehensive overview of the safeguarding landscape, covering topics such as the history of safeguarding in sport, safeguarding strategies at the European and global levels, and the prevalence of safeguarding concerns in European sport. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in a Q&amp;A session with a representative from the European Commission, gaining valuable insights and practical recommendations for successful project implementation.&nbsp;&nbsp; Day 2&nbsp;focused on practical and technical discussions, where representatives of the National Olympic Committees and International Federations shared best practices and challenges related to safeguarding in their countries. The meeting also provided a platform for partners to give feedback on deliverables currently in development and to collaborate in group sessions to begin mapping key stakeholders involved in case handling of safeguarding concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp; Throughout the meeting, interactive roundtables and open discussions allowed partner to align on priorities, ensuring a structured and effective approach to the project’s implementation. Social activities also played a key role in strengthening collaboration among consortium members, fostering an environment of trust and shared commitment.&nbsp; With this successful Kick-off Meeting, SAFE HARBOUR is now fully underway, taking its first concrete steps toward building a harmonised European safeguarding framework and empowering sport organisations to effectively prevent and respond to safeguarding concerns.&nbsp;&nbsp; To stay updated on the project’s progress follow the <a href="https://www.euoffice.eurolympic.org/safe-harbour/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">SAFE HARBOUR website</a> and <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/safe-harbour-project/?trk=public_post-text" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn page.</a>

On 28-29 January 2025, the SAFE HARBOUR project officially commenced with its Kick-off Meeting in Brussels, bringing together representatives from the project’s 27 partner organisations. Coordinated by the EOC EU Office and co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme, this initiative aims to strengthen safeguarding response mechanism in European sport by identifying key challenges, improving policies, and fostering collaboration across borders.

SAFE HARBOUR KICK-OFF MEETING MARKS THE START OF A NEW ERA FOR SAFEGUARDING IN SPORT

The PORTAL project is an initiative focused on supporting Olympians during the challenging transition from their professional sports careers to life after sport. The project aims to develop and implement an inclusive online platform that provides comprehensive support to Olympians, particularly those facing fewer opportunities. PORTAL focuses on enhancing social inclusion and improving access to resources for Olympians who may not have won medals, are dealing with mental and physical health challenges, lack financial support, education, or employment opportunities.The project introduces innovative approaches, including mental health tools, dual career support, and life skills development. These goals will be achieved through collaboration with various sectors such as sports, education, and mental health, enhancing the impact and scope of the support offered. The use of IT tools and technology will provide flexibility and accessibility, while the combination of online and face-to-face support will offer personalized services and track the progress of participants.The project involves seven partners, including the project leader, and kicked off with the first transnational meeting held at the INSEP campus. During this meeting, participants discussed the first steps of the project, including the development of the web platform designed to support athletes. Special attention was given to the creation of forms and questionnaires that will collect data to improve the platform’s effectiveness and provide more targeted support to Olympians. Next Steps of the Project:<ul><li>Establishing contact with active and/or retired Olympians, sports experts, clubs, and national sports federations for data dissemination and collection.</li><li>Collecting information through forms and questionnaires.</li><li>Disseminating the project via social media and websites to reach a broader audience.</li></ul> Through these initiatives, the PORTAL project aims to establish a sustainable support system that will not only assist Olympians but also contribute to their social inclusion and active citizenship.

The Croatian Olympic Committee, as a partner in the PORTAL project, is working to address the complex challenges Olympians face during their transition to post-retirement life.