The Games of the Small States of Europe are about to finish. Today, the last competitions between the athletes of the 9 participating countries are taking place before tonight’s Closing Ceremony, when San Marino will pass the baton to Montenegro. The Games of 2019 will be the first ones organized by Montenegro’s NOC, which became a member of the Games’ big family in 2011.
Boris Sekulic, Project Manager of Montenegro’s Olympic Committee, disclosed some details about next edition of the Games and drew some conclusions about this one. “This is the fourth time we participate in the Games”, he told. “It’s a beautiful event and I must say that San Marino organized it very well. I met very enthusiastic people and I was really surprised to see how they managed to solve the problems which came up. In particular, they were able to put the athletes in the best conditions to compete”.
How do people in Montenegro see the Games?
“This is the very first multi-sports event that we will organize in our country and we are trying to take this opportunity to educate people to Olympic values and to the values of these Games”.
How far has the organization got?
“We are arranging things in a completely different way. All the athletes will be accommodated in one place and all the different areas will be connected by a simple and reliable transport system”.
Will the distance between the various facilities be a problem?
“We have tried to reduce critical issues as much as possible. Compared to the initial plan, where sports competitions had been split over five different cities, we have grouped all activities in just three. Budva will be the core of the event while the competitions of only two sports, athletics and swimming, will take place in Bar and Podgorica respectively, where there are suitable facilities. However, everything will be at a maximum distance of 40 minutes by car. However, in order to balance what may come out to be a small critical issue, we undertook other aspects with great care: we will build the Olympic Park with attention to details, with restaurants, relaxing rooms for the athletes and doctors present 24h a day. Journalists will get some special treatment too. Come and visit our presentation area at the Olympic Park!”.
Up to now, Montenegro has participated in the Games with a numerically small delegation, but we expect a much bigger team for the Games you will organize in your country. Therefore, getting a medal will become harder for everyone. “We are traditionally good at team sports, but our participation is not aimed at winning medals. We want our athletes to compete with those of other countries to improve their abilities. Even with a small delegation, from 2011 we have always increased the number of medals we have won. At the Games in Montenegro, we will surely have a more numerous delegation”.