President Milanović Honours “Hrvatski Sokol” with Charter of the Republic of Croatia on 150th Anniversary

“Continue working as you have so far, as you have accomplished a lot and come a long way. Keep striving for success through hard work,” said the President of the Republic Zoran Milanović to the Croatian Gymnastics Federation, which is marking 120 years of work, and the Zagreb Physical Exercise Society “Hrvatski Sokol” (Croatian Falcon), celebrating an impressive 150 years of existence. The ceremonial celebration of these anniversaries was held at Sokolski Dom in Zagreb.

President Milanović served as the patron of the ceremony marking the 120^th anniversary of the Croatian Gymnastics Federation and the 150^th anniversary of the Zagreb Physical Exercise Society “Hrvatski Sokol.” On this occasion, he presented the Charter of the Republic of Croatia to the Zagreb Physical Exercise Society “Hrvatski Sokol” in recognition of its significant contributions to promoting, encouraging, and developing gymnastics both at home and abroad. The Charter was received by the President of the Zagreb Physical Exercise Society “Hrvatski Sokol,” Vladimir Savić.

The Croatian Gymnastics Federation was founded in 1904 under the name “Savez hrvatskih sokolskih društava” (Union of Croatian Falconry Societies) and is the second-oldest sports federation in Croatia, marking its 120^th anniversary this year. Through its work, sporting achievements, and unwavering commitment to organizational and educational development, the federation has become a role model in Croatian sports. With the impressive accomplishments of its athletes and the continuous advancement of gymnastics programs, it significantly contributes to enhancing Croatia’s standing in the global sports arena.

The Zagreb Physical Exercise Society “Hrvatski Sokol” was founded in 1874 and is one of the oldest active sports societies in Croatia. This year, it is celebrating its 150^th anniversary. Today, the society trains approximately 900 members, and its athletes have served as the backbone of the Croatian gymnastics national team for decades. Over its storied history, the society has produced 18 Olympians with more than twenty appearances at the Olympic Games, along with numerous appearances and medals at World Championships, European Championships, and World Cups.

In addition to President Milanović, the ceremony featured speeches by the President of the Zagreb Physical Exercise Society “Hrvatski Sokol,” Vladimir Savić; the President of the Croatian Gymnastics Federation, Marijo Možnik; the President of the International Gymnastics Federation, Morinari Watanabe; the President of the Sports Association of the City of Zagreb, Vjekoslav Šafranić; the President of the Croatian Olympic Committee, Zlatko Mateša; the Mayor of the City of Zagreb, Tomislav Tomašević; and the delegate of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Director of the Sports Directorate at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Krešimir Šamija.

President Milanović was accompanied by the Commissioner of the President of the Republic for Sports, Tomislav Paškvalin.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Tomislav Bušljeta