Serbian Prime Minister Mirko Cvetkovic and Minister of Youth and Sport Snezana Samardzic-Markovic today presented the most deserving Serbian sportspeople with diplomas for their special contribution to the development and promotion of sport.

Cvetkovic congratulated the athletes, stressing that by awarding them with national recognition the Serbian government is achieving the priorities defined in the Sport Development Strategy, which concerns support for top sportspeople in Serbia.

Achievements of Serbian sportspeople are very significant. Sportspeople are not only our greatest brand but they also show something more, that is, they prove that only with hard work can you achieve outstanding results in any area. The Serbian government endorses top athletes, and the young who are the basis of sport, as well as the organisation of all sport events taking place without violence on our territory, said Cvetkovic.

Samardzic-Markovic recalled that in the past three years 485 sportspeople and sport experts received national recognitions as a symbol of their "special status in society".

This is a special day for all those who love and support sport. These recognitions clearly show that good sports results, as well as the experts who secured those results, are highly respected. The government also pays attention to Paralympics athletes and treats them in the same way as other sportspeople, said the Minister.

The awards were granted to famous basketball player Vlade Divac, water polo player Vladimir Vujasinovic, volleyball and basketball representatives Aleksandar Boricic and Dusan Ivkovic and wrestling representatives Tanja Dobric and Zoran Cirkovic.

Former volleyball player Djula Mester pointed to the importance of the fact that the state recognises true values and takes care that sports achievements do not fall into oblivion, while tennis expert Radmilo Armenulic stressed that this is a proof that the government monitors, supports and awards Serbia’s top sportsmen.

National recognition and a lifelong financial assistance to the amount of one to three average salaries were granted to 106 sportsmen older than 40 who have won medals in important international competitions.