Marin Čilić gives 25 scholarships to talented young musicians and athletes in Croatia

(Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

ZAGREB, February 20, 2023 – In the beautiful setting of the Emerald Hall of the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb today, famous Croatian tennis player Marin Čilić presented 25 scholarships to talented young classical musicians and athletes who are members of the national selection in Olympic sports.

They are excellent students who train every day, sometimes even in the morning before school, so waking up at five in the morning or driving to training in another city is no problem for them. Doing what they know best and love is their greatest desire, sometimes even when things may not go according to plan. Lack of sports equipment, living in another city far from family or lack of financial security did not sway them. And that’s exactly why the Marin Čilić Foundation decided to follow their dreams.

Čilić addressed all those gathered, recalling the day when he started his career and when, at their age, he dreamed of today’s success.

(Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

“For as long as I can remember, I have never missed a single training session, but the most important thing is that, as a child, I didn’t know where my potential really was. And that’s exactly why I would like to convey to everyone who is here today that you should not limit yourself by your potential, i.e. that you should always put bigger tasks in front of you. Whatever you take on, be motivated because the stars are, as we always say, only the limit! I would also like to say something to you, dear parents, based on the example of my dear friend. We all know the path of Luka Modrić. What I understood through his story, and all that difficult start and the success he achieved. Don’t think that your child has to be the best, he has to follow his own path – go step by step because it is precisely this learning and not giving up that will lead them to success,” said Marin.

(Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

Sports scholarships were awarded to Borna Petek from Zagreb (table tennis), Ema Sobol from Delnice (cross-country skiing and biathlon), Iva Rokvić from Pula (sailing), Lucijana Lukšić from Split (swimming), Luka Čarapović from Osijek (swimming), Marko Sredić from Zagreb (rowing), Matea Svečnjak from Strmec near Samobor (judo), Nikolina Mesić from Zagreb (taekwondo), Petra Goleš from Split (taekwondo) and Roko Bengera from Šemovec near Varaždin (kayak and canoe slalom on wild waters), Roko Brantuša from Zagreb (taekwondo), Veronika Vilk from Slatina (wrestling) and Vigo Lašič from Zagreb (fencing). Music scholarships were awarded to Antea Glavaš from Požega (pearl flute), Antonio Sabol from Bjelovar (trombone and euphonium), Damjan Cerić from Zagreb (piano), Đive Ćatić from Dubrovnik (cello), Elizabeth Aria Cone from Bjelovar (horn), Lucia Kaplowitz from Donja Bistra (violin), Luka Bujdi from Opatija (accordion), Niki Božeka from Prelog (tuba), Paula Ćatić from Dubrovnik (violin), Paula Novosel from Zagreb (violin), Petar Đuli Vrbanić from Zagreb (cello) and Petra Juriša from Zagreb (accordion).

(Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

In order to become good at something, we all know that it takes a lot of effort, work and sacrifice. Moreover, some studies say that it takes over 10,000 hours to perfect the skill we dream of. Playing, playing or creating for so many hours is definitely not easy, but in life we always want to give our best. 

(Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

Unfortunately, sometimes even when we give more than 100%, circumstances are not in our favor. After realizing his dreams, the famous Croatian tennis player is now, thanks to his desire and the hardworking team of the Marin Čilić Foundation, building a court for other people’s dreams. And that’s why it’s not surprising that this year’s record number of applications from young athletes and musicians from all parts of Croatia resulted in the awarding of as many as 25 scholarships to the fifth generation of scholarship recipients.

“Be proud because this scholarship should not be a burden to you that you have to be the first, on the contrary – this is just proof that you are on the right path and that you should continue,” added the head of the Foundation, David Milić.

Marin Ćilić and David Milić (Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

The Marin Čilić Foundation was founded in 2016, and firmly believes that every child has unlimited potential. With adequate support, dedicated work and strong self-belief, every child can reach their full potential and leave a big mark on society. 

Through educational, sports and encouragement programs, the Foundation provides children and young people with support and provides financial support so that they can explore their potential and turn their dreams into reality. So far, 102 scholarships have been awarded, 6 school laboratories have been renovated, and 4 school multifunctional playgrounds have been built as part of the Gem Set Croatia project, and in addition to all of the above, with the fifth generation of scholarship holders, the total amount of scholarships awarded has exceeded HRK 1 million.

Marin and Kristina Čilić with Dubravka Jusić from Zagrebačka banka (Photo credit: Martina Pašić)

Along with numerous donors from around the world, the Marin Čilić Foundation was joined by Zagrebačka banka, which will educate the winners about financial management after the scholarship award, and the Always brand with the aim of helping girls from all over Croatia to follow their dreams and realize their full potential.

More information about the work of the Marin Čilić Foundation can be found on the official website, Facebook and Instagram page.