By forming this club, the founders hope to achieve the social valuation of the Rijeka Olympians, systematic work on the promotion of the Olympic idea, material support for medal winners, as well as contribute to the development policy of Rijeka and the Primorje – Gorski Kotar County. The members of the Club will include all the Olympians of the City of Rijeka and also of the Primorje – Gorski Kotar County and farther on, depending on a decision to be taken by the Executive Board. The meeting was opened by the oldest Rijeka Olympian Zdravko Ćiro Kovačić, a member of the initiative board responsible for the foundation of the Olympians Club of Rijeka, who recalled in his speech Ivica Jobo Kurtini, the first sportsman who brought an Olympic medal to Rijeka in post second word war years.
The Club has taken a decision to propose the mayor of the City of Rijeka, Vojko Obersnel as a convinced sports supporter its first honorary member. The mayor thanked for the honorary title, emphasising that he personally as well as the City of Rijeka would endeavour to assist the Club's operation so that the spirit of the Olympic Games and top-notch sports could further among the recognisable values of Rijeka.
The initiative to form the Olympians Club was also supported by the Primorje – Gorski Kotar County and the Rijeka Sports Federation which will provide business premises for the Club's head offices.
The Olympians Club of Rijeka is eager to promote the implementation of the idea and ethics of Olympic fair play in the society, organise celebrations of the Olympic Day (10 September) through weekly initiatives and manifestations in order to maximally approach Olympism to citizens, and in particular, to young generations in Rijeka. Furthermore, the Club will be engaged in organising welcome parties for successful Rijeka athletes, particularly Olympians after winning titles and medals, and it will also take part in humanitarian campaigns and any other initiatives and will organise public appearances aimed at preventing violence and any other kind of intolerance, drugs, alcoholism, and aggressiveness among the young.
(S.R.)