Ahead of this week’s (24-26) European Athletics Convention and Golden Tracks awards in Skopje, the Republic of North Macedonia, European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov has paid tribute to the hosts.
Our biggest corporate event
“The Convention is our biggest corporate event, and this week, it will be hosted here in Skopje, followed by the prestigious Golden Tracks awards,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday (22).
“I would like to express my gratitude to the Atletska Federacija na Makedonija [Athletics Federation of North Macedonia] and everyone involved in organising this event, highlighting the exceptional teamwork between the Local Organising Committee and European Athletics.
“A special thanks goes to the Ministry of Sport, Minister Ristovski, and the government of the Republic of North Macedonia for their invaluable support, as we would not be able to grow without institutional backing.
“I also want to emphasise the important roles that representatives from the Athletics Federation of North Macedonia play within various bodies of European Athletics and encourage all of you to continue your great work in developing athletics, both on the track and on leadership side.”
A Federation making history
He was joined at the event by Aleksandra Vojneska-Zikova, President of the Athletic Federation of North Macedonia and Minister of Sport Barko Ristovski.
Aleksandra Vojneska-Zikova, who represented North Macedonia in the 100m at the 2004 Olympics and Gothenburg 2006 European Athletics Championships and is a member of the European Athletics Council, said: "Today we are gathered here to promote a very beautiful event, which for us as a federation is making history, and I believe for sports in general in our country.
“The European Athletics Convention which will be held from 24-26 October, here at the Hilton Hotel and as the icing on the cake, the prestigious Golden Tracks awards, the competition for the best athlete in Europe, which will be held on 26 October at the National Opera and Ballet.
“The organisation of this event represents a great recognition for Macedonia and means a great promotion of Macedonian athletics. Sports diplomacy plays a key role in strengthening international ties and cooperation, not only in sports, but also beyond.
“This Convention and the presence of the respected guests from the World Athletics and European Athletics allows us long-term cooperation and presentation of our country in this sport, of which I am particularly proud."
The Minister of Sports, Borko Ristovski, pledged Macedonia will be increasingly present on the European and world map in the coming years.