ZAGREB ZAGREB, Aug 8 (Hina) - At 21.38 hours Sunday, Croatian President Franjo Tudjman declared the 2nd Military World Games open. Present at the opening ceremony at Zagreb's Maksimir stadium were many dignitaries in sports and social
life, as well as the chairman of the International Olympic Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch, president of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), Brigadier Gianni Gola, president of the Croatian Olympic Committee and member of the IOC, Antun Vrdoljak and president of the 2nd MWG Organising Committee, Lieutenant General Josip Lucic. Opening the games at which about 7,000 athletes from 78 countries will take part, President Tudjman expressed satisfaction that soldiers-athletes from all continents gathered in Croatia in great numbers. "Let these competitions proceed in a chivalrous spirit and focus on the achievement of best results. But they should also foster mutual acquaintanc
ZAGREB, Aug 8 (Hina) - At 21.38 hours Sunday, Croatian President
Franjo Tudjman declared the 2nd Military World Games open.
Present at the opening ceremony at Zagreb's Maksimir stadium were
many dignitaries in sports and social life, as well as the chairman
of the International Olympic Committee, Juan Antonio Samaranch,
president of the International Military Sports Council (CISM),
Brigadier Gianni Gola, president of the Croatian Olympic Committee
and member of the IOC, Antun Vrdoljak and president of the 2nd MWG
Organising Committee, Lieutenant General Josip Lucic.
Opening the games at which about 7,000 athletes from 78 countries
will take part, President Tudjman expressed satisfaction that
soldiers-athletes from all continents gathered in Croatia in great
numbers.
"Let these competitions proceed in a chivalrous spirit and focus on
the achievement of best results. But they should also foster mutual
acquaintance and create the preconditions for future partnerships
and friendly relations -- in the interest of peace, free economic
and cultural development of all nations based on their positive
heritage, and overall aspirations of modern mankind as laid down in
the principles of the United Nations Charter.
In looking forward to a good and successful sports event, and hoping
that you will get to know Croatia better and enjoy your stay here, I
hereby declare the Second Military World Games in Zagreb open,"
Tudjman said.
Present at the ceremony were first addressed by Brigadier Gianni
Gola, relaying to the Croatian President, Government and armed
forces the best regards on behalf of the CISM and gratitude for
hosting and organising the 2nd MWG.
Juan Antonio Samaranch thanked President Tudjman for his support in
the development of sports and the organisation of the 2nd World
Military Games.
I wish you a successful contest and I am pleased to be in Croatia
again, Samaranch said.
The opening ceremony began with a review of Croatian historical
units and participating athletes, led by standard-bearers.
Members of the 1st Croatian Guard Corps in parade uniforms carried
out Croatian and CISM flags into the stadium. An athlete lighted the
Olympic flame underneath the flags. The flame will be lit until
August 17, when the Military Games end.
On behalf of the athletes, Croatian winner of silver medals from the
recent European swimming championship, Gordan Kozulj, said the
solemn oath and Croatia's best waterpolo player, Zeljko Klaric, on
behalf of the umpires.
(hina) lml