Pristina, December 23, 2022
The Government of Kosovo knows well that sport is a public good that strengthens both the community and the state. Also, we know that we are in decisive moments with the opportunity to design the future sports system, the way we want, and above all the way the young people deserve, said the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, at the gala evening of organized with winning athletes, sports veterans and sportsmen.
This year, we have allocated over 7 million euros through direct support schemes to nearly 300 beneficiaries, sports organizations and sports professionals. This reflects an increase of 15%, compared to 2021, while compared to 2020, an increase of 45%. Meanwhile, the already approved budget for 2023 will be the highest ever with over 3.2 billion euros, which also reflects the increase in the budget for sports, he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that our sportsmen and women are models for young men and women, and an inspiration for everyone. You are the ones who remind us how: prudence, perseverance and faith remain the best instruments to excel – not only in sports, but in any endeavor, he said.
Let’s make sport the mirror in which we see our society as a whole, and let’s use it to build the world we want and the state we deserve, said the prime minister, concluding his speech.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable champion sportsmen and women,
It is my great pleasure and honor to be here with you tonight,
Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr. Hajrulla Çeku,
Honorable Deputy Ministers, Mr. Daulina Osmani and Mr. Sylejman Elshani,
Honorable chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Education, Science, Technology, Innovation, Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr. Ardian Gola,
Honorable Ambassador of Japan in Kosovo, Mr. Yamanaka,
Honorable President of the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, Mr. Ismet Krasniqi,
Honorable leaders of sports and para-sports federations,
Honorable coaches, referees, journalists and sports workers,
Ladies and gentleman,
Honorable attendees,
Good evening and welcome.
The year 2022 is coming to an end. Tomorrow starts its last week. But, without a doubt, this was a year with many moments that will be remembered for a long time, and which will survive the years to come.
Our sportsmen and women, all of you, many of whom I see here tonight, are a model for young women and men, and an inspiration for all of us. Whether they are great champions like you, or just enthusiastic participants in sports, athletes are the ones who continue to prove the importance of dedication, discipline and passion. You are the ones who remind us how: prudence, perseverance and faith remain the best instruments to excel – not only in sports, but in any endeavor.
Sports have done a tremendous job in creating a sense of belonging. In every appearance of the national teams and clubs of Kosovo, and not only – but also when Xhaka and Shaqiri, Vedati and Kosovare Asllani play – at first we are in the fever of the match, and then we celebrate, because where our athletes are, there are usually also victories.
With the successes of each of you, we have shown the world that when our youth are given the opportunity, they shine. With their results, they raised the name of our Republic.
With more than 300 sports activities developed in Kosovo, and with participation in more than 200 international activities, our athletes, in addition to playing on sports grounds, have played with our hearts as well. We were together in defeat and in victory. We are very happy with their successes and ours.
Therefore, I also want to express my admiration and gratitude to each and every one of you. Thank you all for filling our hearts all year long. You are the pride of Kosovo and of every Albanian wherever he is.
The Government of Kosovo knows well that sport is a public good that strengthens both the community and the state. Also, we know that we are at decisive moments with the opportunity to design the future system of sport, the way we want, and above all the way young people deserve.
This year, we have allocated over 7 million euros through direct support schemes to nearly 300 beneficiaries, sports organizations and sports professionals. This reflects an increase of 15%, compared to 2021, while compared to 2020, an increase of 45%. Meanwhile, the already approved budget for 2023 will be the highest ever with over 3.2 billion euros, which also reflects the increase in the budget for sports.
We have given priority to supporting physical activity in order to build a healthy and active society through programs dedicated to children and young people in schools and in the neighborhood.
With this, we intend to be an example for increasing participation in physical activity, for increasing the budget and investments and for the progress of governance in sports, just as we are for sports results.
Thus, in addition to enabling you to ensure the development of the physical and social well-being of all, through the institutional connection of education with sport, of sport with health, protection and safety, we are also making sure that sport will continue to remain an example of success in the country and in the international arena.
Our commitment to raising sport to the next level of development is decisive and determined, as is the commitment of every sports organization, the Olympic and Paralympic Committee of Kosovo, sports and para-sports federations, sports clubs and associations. The sport would not be here without your work. Therefore, I congratulate you for your commitment and wish that teamwork and stability will accompany us along our journey, for the sports reform and the further consolidation of future results.
Let the iron will and unstoppable work towards culminating successes be the motive and example of our joint work for the future. Let’s make sport the mirror in which we see our society as a whole, and let’s use it to build the world we want and the country we deserve. The Ministry and the Government are the state infrastructure for your development, for your success, for our success.
Happy holidays and I wish you the greatest success in the New Year! Thank you all very much and happy 2023!
Last modified: December 28, 2022