CROATIAN SPORTS – CROATIAN PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE

Postage stamp for half a century of Paralympics By issuing this commemorative postage stamp Croatian Post marks the 50 years of Croatian paralympic movement. Half a century of Croatian paralympic sports is at the same time half a century of promoting sports spirit, equal opportunities and possibilities for people with disabilities. Under the moto „Spirit in Motion“, the paralympic sports on global level means the removal of limitations and surpassing of obstacles, even in situations when it appears impossible. This is especially evident in the last twenty years, during which the sports practiced by people with various disabilities has indeed flourished. In Croatia the foundations of paralympic sports and the Croatian Paralympic Committee as the roof organisation, have been set on 8 September 1964 when the Croatian Sport and Recreation League of Disabled was founded. During last fifty years the circumstances have changed, but the goal remained always the same – organisation, promotion and popularisation of sports for persons with disabilities. And, that the persistence pays off, prove best the results. Along with many international rewards and medals, 15 Croatian sportsmen and -women won so far in total 35 paralympic medals. First such medal, already under the flag of the ex-state won Milka Milinković at the Games in Heidelberg, Germany in 1972. Twenty years later at the Games in Barcelona she was again a winner, this time of the first paralympic medal for independent Croatia. With her nine participations and eight medals won, Milinković is today the most successful Croatian sportswoman with disability and next to her is with the same number of medals won in swimming, Roko Mikelin Opara. First paralympic gold for Croatia won Darko Kralj in shot put in Peking in 2008, and with two more gold medals at the same games Antonija Balek joined him. These were the best organised Games in the history at which Croatia was represented by 25 participants in six sports. Besides Darko and Antonija, the 18 years old Branimir Budetić took bronze medal in javelin throw. According to the total number of medals won, Croatian sportsmen and -women were most successful at Paralympic Games in London in 2012. Kralj won silver in shot put in London. Zoran Talić also won silver in long jump and in the same discipline Mikela Ristoski won bronze. Budetić won bronze in javelin throw, as well as Mihovil Španja in 100 m backstroke swimming. In total: five medals. Paralympic Games in London beat the records of total number of participants, number of sold tickets and media covering which meant a turning point in the presentation of attractiveness of sports competition of persons with disabilities. The society is more and more recognising the excellence of paralympic sports and this postage stamp issue is also an important support for the demonstrated courage, determination and equality. Ratko Kovačić, B. Ec. President of the Croatian Paralympic Committee