Marin Čilić Foundation receives record interest in scholarships

(Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

The Marin Čilić Foundation receives a record number of applications for the sixth generation of scholarships.

“The scholarship has given me a truly strong boost, provided me with a great dose of confidence and energy. Crossing miles and miles, in cold rain, even hail, and unbearable heat, the thought of the recognition and trust bestowed upon me drove me to new victories. It led me to new medals and achievements,” revealed the promising Croatian rower Marko Sredić.

The dreams do come true, as numerous scholarship recipients of the Marin Čilić Foundation can attest. In the last seven years, around 4,000 children’s lives have changed through this valuable institution, awarding 103 scholarships, renovating six school laboratories, and building four school playgrounds. Yet, as if that weren’t enough, this year set a record for the number of scholarship applications, undoubtedly reflecting the significant interest of young talents in sports and music development.

(Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

This commendable initiative is not just a financial support opportunity but also an inspiration for numerous future generations of athletes and musicians.

Since its inception, the Marin Čilić Foundation has represented an exceptional step towards supporting young talents. Through various initiatives and actions, the Foundation not only provides financial support but also creates a conducive environment for the development of their skills and character.

Among other things, the celebrated Croatian tennis player, with his team, aims to have a long-term positive impact on the future of the youth, promoting values such as dedication, integrity, and teamwork.

“We wanted to give every passionate athlete and musician, regardless of financial challenges, the opportunity to pursue their dreams. Through these scholarships, we aim to create equal access to all opportunities and encourage their development towards their goals.

Let this support be a bridge to success for those who have a passion for sports or music but not always the resources,” stated Marin Čilić, while Foundation Manager David Milić emphasized, “The fact that the number of applications exceeded all expectations also testifies to the great interest and significant societal need for support in sports and musical development. It is a confirmation of the Foundation’s growth and efforts to reach as many young people as possible. This extraordinary response further confirms the importance of providing opportunities to young talents and the Foundation’s commitment to fostering the development of future sports and music generations.”

Marin with David Milić (Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

In October, when the application process for the sixth generation of scholarships began, the Foundation announced that ten scholarships would be awarded to young talented athletes, members of the national selection in individual Olympic sports, and ten scholarships to students of primary and secondary music schools with at least one first prize in a state or international competition.

All sports scholarships, as well as scholarships for musicians in high school, amount to €1,500.00, while scholarships for musicians in elementary schools amount to €1,000.00. The scholarships are intended to cover various expenses, including tuition fees, training and seminars, participation in competitions, and the costs of purchasing sports equipment or musical instruments and aids.

The funds will be disbursed in monthly installments throughout the school year. The winners will be announced next year at the traditional award ceremony, attended in previous years by numerous successful athletes and musicians.

Sometimes we unjustly say that success only requires talent, effort, will, and work, and success will come. However, that’s not entirely true because if you don’t have a chance for success, then you can’t succeed. This is well-known to previous generations of scholarship recipients who do not hide that the Marin Čilić Foundation scholarship came as a real boost.

Among them is the remarkable Slavonian, swimmer Luka Čarapović. “Being a Marin Čilić Foundation scholarship recipient filled me with pride, satisfaction, and joy, and my message to future scholarship recipients is: the scholarship is recognition that effort is not in vain and pays off; it is an incentive to persevere, to progress, personally and professionally, support for investing in oneself,” reveals the resident of Osijek.

(Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

Veronika Vilk, the winner of the first gold for Croatia in women’s wrestling and the first Croatian world gold ever, shares a similar sentiment. “As this year’s European and world champion, I would tell future scholarship recipients that the path to success is full of ups and downs, but they must never give up because sacrifice, effort, and work will pay off. Focus only on your goal, on technique, ignore some external factors that you cannot influence, and success will not be lacking,” concludes the brilliant athlete from Slatina.

In these days, another recognition has arrived for the Foundation. In the run-up to the Olympic Games in Paris in 2024, Procter & Gamble presented a donation to prominent athletes, including Marin Čilić. As part of the Athletes for Good initiative, the work of the Foundation was recognized among 20 projects and awarded a donation of $24,000, which will undoubtedly help in building new sports fields and sponsoring young athletes and musicians.

As an excellent invitation to future competitions, given that this year’s has just ended, we advise you to heed the advice of the young horn player from Bjelovar, Elizabeth Arie Cone: “I would tell future scholarship recipients never to give up on their goals and dreams because if you have found something that makes you so happy, regardless of how much time, work, and effort it takes, then you are one of the happiest people in the world.”

For additional information about the Marin Čilić Foundation’s work, you can visit the official website of the Foundation and its social media platforms: Facebook and Instagram.