Croatian Volleyball looks forward to a bright future after Bakovic’s re-election

Zagreb, Croatia. The XVI Electoral Assembly of the Croatian Volleyball Federation (HOS) took place on Monday, June 15, at the Westin Hotel in Zagreb with the agenda of the meeting including a short report from the outgoing President, a more comprehensive summary from the Supervisory Board, and the sharing of the 2019 financial report. Actually, the main highlight came when the assembly unanimously re-elected Ante Bakovic as HOS President for another term at the helm of the organisation. 

“I sincerely thank the Supervisory Board and the electoral commission, and all members of the Assembly. This kind of support really means a lot for the future, but it also shows that we are on the right path and that the Federation is doing a good job,” the re-elected President said. “Thank you for that! Three years ago, we found the organisation on the verge of bankruptcy, with an uncertain future perspective, weakened national teams and without much hope for the future. Today, despite all the problems and adversities, we are one of the most reliable partners of CEV and FIVB, leaders and participants in several EU projects, while we have settled all debts and tripled the budget. We have big plans and high ambitions,” he continued. 

“However, we cannot achieve all this without a solid and stable base and that is why we will try to help our clubs in the best possible way in this crisis year. In cooperation with the Croatian Olympic Committee and the Central State Office for Sport, we are working on drafting a package of financial assistance measures to clubs, according to which all clubs participating in domestic Volleyball competitions should receive financial support through the Federation, in amounts between HRK 5.000,00 and HRK 25.000,00 [approximately 661 and 3,309 €]. Peace, stability and continuity are the most important prerequisites for success. I could not be any happier that we are finally all on the same path together and we are confident in achieving great victories and success for Croatian Volleyball. Thank you once again for your trust. I am sure that we will not let you down,” Bakovic concluded. 

Further to Monday’s elections, the new Board of directors of the Federation includes the following 13 members: Ante Bakovic, Vladimir Brnecic, Duško Živkovic, Željko Jurcevic, Sandra Baturina, Vedran Juravic, Arduino Popovic, Petar Sprcic, Damir Zec, Ksenija Vržina, Dr Ivan Fattorini, Katarina Barun Šušnjar and Vlado Bagaric.  

The Croatian Volleyball Federation shared with members of the Assembly their marketing strategy, under the slogan “Volleyball in every home for a better future.” This highlights how the HOS leadership and staff are constantly working for the promotion and development of Volleyball. “We encourage excellence, inclusiveness and personal integrity. We share the knowledge and experience gained today to shape better athletes and people tomorrow,” Secretary General Valentina Bifflin said. 

The assembly approved one charitable initiative of President Bakovic, which accounts for the provision of 1.000,00 HRK per month [some 132 €] for the schooling of the son of former women’s national team head coach Miroslav Aksentijevic, who passed away in May 2019 in a car accident. 

Finally, the HOS announced that the final stage of the Croatian Cup and the Snježana Ušic Cup would be taking place on September 12 in Zadar in conjunction with the next HOS Assembly.

Sources:
CEV – European Volleyball
HOS – Croatian Volleyball Federation