PHOTOS: ‘Croatia Inspiring Champions’ held in Dubai 

(Photos: Croatia Expo 2020)

A multi-sport outdoor challenge with legends of Croatian sport has been held in Dubai. 

As part of the presentation of Croatia at the World Expo, Expo 2020,  in Dubai, an interactive event called “Croatia Inspiring Champions” took place. 

With the aim of promoting Croatia as a country of sports and a small country of great world success, this event was attended by Croatian medal winners at major world competitions – rowers Martin and Valent Sinković, discus champion Sandra Perković, former high jump legend Blanka Vlašić, former handball player Mirza Džomba, former Croatia goal keeper Stipe Pletikosa and former NBA basketball player Gordan Giriček.

Sandra Perković (Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

Mirza Džomba (Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

Blanka Vlašič (Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

The athletes opened the EXPO Sustainability portal and participated in a number of outdoor sports challenges together with visitors at the SPORT, FITNESS & WELLBEING HUB location.

Gordan Giriček (Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

Martin Sinković (Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

Two-time Olympic, two-time world and five-time European discus throw champion Sandra Perković, said:

“I am very honoured to be invited and it is a great honour for me as a professional athlete to represent our beautiful country at EXPO 2020 Dubai. This is a great opportunity to show the world who we are and that we Croats are born winners, not only in sports, but also in other jobs we do. There are sports legends here, but Croatia has many legends. Also, I would like to wish good luck to our Olympians who will now defend the colours of our beautiful country at the Winter Olympics.”

(Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

Olympic gold medalist Martin Sinković added: 

“I feel special when I represent my country at such a big event, especially because I am an active athlete. Fortunately, we are currently out of competition, so we managed to come to Dubai and present Croatia to everyone as the best country in the world. We all know it is, and now all those who have been here.”

(Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

Visitors from all over the world has the chance to socialise with champions and sports legends, regardless of age, and tried their hand at sports activities with celebrated Croatian legends and brought home unforgettable memories in addition to the official T-shirts of the event.

(Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

(Photo: Croatia Expo 2020)

The main sponsor of the event, HEP d.d., as a long-time great friend and supporter of Croatian sports, provided strong support to the largest promoters of Croatia in the world.