15.03.2013.

Minister Vucic opens the 55th World Military Cross Country Championship

First Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Aleksandar Vucic opened the 55th World Military Cross Country Championship in Apatin, from 13 to 17 March, with 317 members of the armed forces from 24 countries of the world.

Welcoming the crowd, particularly the military athletes, Minister Vucic said that Serbia is a small but proud country that has always respected its friends.

"This is just another indication of how much the reputation of the Serbian Armed Forces is growing all over the world. Today, our Armed Forces, as well as our country, is recognized and respected in all continents, in Asia, the Americas and across Europe, and we would like if our military is loved by all as much as you love it here in Apatin", Minister Vucic said, expressing his gratitude to the International Military Sports Council (CISM), and the organizers.

According to him, the military will always be part of our people, and the sport will develop peace and friendship, but we will always, when it is necessary, know how to defend our homeland.

On that occasion, CISM Representative Colonel Abdulhakeem M. Alshino of Bahrain, presented Minister Vucic, Head of the Delegation of the Republic of Serbia to CISM Colonel Dragan Djini, and President of Apatin Municipality Zivorad Smiljanic, with medals for contribution to the development of military sports.

Colonel Alshino thanked citizens of Apatin for their hospitality, adding that in a fair competition, such as this, there are no vanquished ones, as evidenced by the motto of the competition – "Friendship through Sport", and he wished Serbia success in all its future missions.

Order of "Grand Officer" is awarded to the highest state officials – ministers from the governments, for outstanding contributions to strengthening military sports, world peace and promoting the goals and ideals contained in the official CISM motto, "Friendship through Sport".

Sports event organized by the Delegation of the Republic of Serbia at the International Military Sports Council (CISM) and the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Serbia, in cooperation with the municipality of Apatin, City of Sombor and Athletic Federation of Serbia. CISM is the patron of the competition.

Announcement of the winners and closing ceremony of the 55th World Military Cross Country Championship will be held on 16 March in the Sports Hall of the Elementary School "Zarko Zrenjanin" in Apatin.