Marin Čilić awards talented young musicians and athletes in Croatia with scholarships

by croatiaweek
March 12, 2024
in Sport

Zagreb, March 12, 2024 – Croatian tennis player Marin Čilić, through his Foundation, continues to support young talents. The Emerald Hall of the Esplanade Hotel served as a beautiful backdrop for the awarding of 25 scholarships to classical musicians and athletes who are members of the national Olympic sports team.

Despite the initial plan to award twenty scholarships, it was decided to grant five additional scholarships. The Foundation received a record number of applications with incredibly inspiring stories from children. They demonstrated how, despite challenges and obstacles, they remain dedicated to sports and music.

The decision to award additional scholarships was made with the indispensable support of numerous sponsors and partners, without whom this whole endeavor would not have had such an outcome. Selecting this year’s scholars was truly challenging, as acknowledged by the prominent tennis player when he addressed the audience:

“Since childhood, I never missed a practice. I constantly set myself new challenges and goals, never thinking or limiting myself by my potential. Motivation guided me, and through successes and obstacles, it’s what propelled me forward. Along my own tennis journey, I learned the importance of believing in oneself, in one’s abilities, and continuing forward, even when things seem impossible. Perseverance and unwavering will are key to achieving goals. Let my example, along with the examples of many of my colleagues in the world of sports, remind you that it’s only important to follow your path. We don’t always have to be the best on it, but to take it step by step, learn, and believe in ourselves because such an attitude leads to success.”

Sports scholarships were awarded to Luna Pađan (18) from Samobor (archery), David Sandić (18) from Labin (cycling), Ana Pranić (16) from Zagreb (badminton), Vito Radovanović (16) from Zagreb (badminton), Valentina Živković (15) from Drniš (judo), Fran Radić (15) from Zagreb (gymnastics), Leona Niketić from Petrovo Selo (judo), Leon Gabriel Kišiček (15) from Zagreb (cycling), Karlo Marjanović (15) from Zagreb (taekwondo), Marko Kenđel (17) from Petrinja (gymnastics), Ante Tunjić (15) from Slavonski Brod (swimming), Marjeta Smoje (17) from Solin (sport climbing).

Musical scholarships were awarded to Maya Hong (14) from Zagreb (violin), Paula Dubovečak (10) from Bednja (clarinet), Karlo Vinković (13) from Zagreb (trombone), Fran Šola (14) from Zagreb (violin), Rafael Schlosser (14) from Zagreb (tambourine), Maksim Radanec (14) from Bjelovar (French horn), Jakov Begić (16) from Zagreb (flute), Dora Marin (16) from Križevci (guitar), Helena Kantarević from Velika Gorica (French horn), Lovro Zeneral (15) from Zagreb (saxophone), Andrija Cukrov (10) from Prvić Šepurina (violin), Agneza Čelan (14) from Zagreb, and Bianka Saridžić (16) from Zagreb (viola).

The scholarships are earmarked and can only be used for further education such as seminars, participation in competitions, purchasing musical instruments, sports equipment, and similar purposes.

“The day we ceremoniously award scholarships is truly special for us, and the fact that this is already the sixth generation only proves that we are on the right track. There are so many inspiring stories and examples we receive through letters to the Foundation’s address, and it’s wonderful to see all those talented children not giving up on their goals. We are truly proud that we can, at least in part, in the language of sports, support them or lend a hand on their journey to realizing their dreams,” added Foundation Manager David Milić.

The Marin Čilić Foundation was established in 2016 with a firm belief that every child possesses unlimited potential. Every child can achieve it with proper support, dedication, and a strong belief in themselves. The Foundation supports children through educational, sports, and encouragement programs and provides financial support to help young talents realize their full potential and turn their dreams into reality. So far, six school laboratories have been renovated, and as part of the Gem Set Croatia project, four school multifunctional playgrounds have been built, with the fifth one being constructed thanks to the spectacle held in Zadar last July. With the sixth generation of scholars, the number of scholarships awarded has risen to 128.

In addition to numerous donors from around the world, the Marin Čilić Foundation has been joined by Always, Humed Pharma, L’Angelica, Telemach Croatia, Polyclinic Bolanča, Polyclinic Terme Selce, Plinio Foundation, and Clarum.