Reception for Lana Pudar at the FBiH Government, more support needed for young athletes

SARAJevo, (Patria) - Prime Minister of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina Fadil Novalić and Federal Minister of Culture and Sports Zora Dujmović organized today, at the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports, a reception for the best Bosnian and Herzegovinian swimmer Lana Pudar, following her exceptional success and winning a bronze medal in the 200-meter butterfly race at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi. Lana's team, coach Alena Ćemalović and president of the "Orka" Water Sports Club Damir Đedović, also attended the reception at the ministry.

- It is an exceptional honor for us to be in the company of our Lana and her team, and I extend my sincerest congratulations for this great success, which has brought us all exceptional joy and pride. In the hope that this is just the beginning of extraordinary successes and medals that Lana will achieve under the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I want to emphasize that the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports, within its capabilities, will support Lana and her team on their path to the top, which is clearly destined for her, as she has shown at only fifteen years of age. Lana deserves the best conditions for work and progress, so providing the means to enable this must be a priority, regardless of the difficult situation we find ourselves in - emphasized Minister Dujmović.

Lana Pudar will be awarded funds for her bronze medal won in Abu Dhabi, as stipulated by the Decree on determining the criteria for awarding prizes to athletes for achieved top results.

- It is an honor for me to congratulate Lana for the exceptional result she has achieved for the second time this year, and to reiterate that we are all endlessly proud that she carries our flag around the world. I will repeat what I have said on several occasions: we must all unite around the idea of supporting our young talents in creating the much-needed conditions for their further development. Only by joining forces can we provide them with a good example and the expected support. There is goodwill, and for now, we are supporting them individually, as much as our legal possibilities allow. The Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina has allocated over 700,000 KM this year through the Decree for achieved top sports results at international competitions. The amounts for awards to the best athletes are planned to be doubled for next year. Dear Lana, thank you once again for representing us in the best possible way all over the world - said Prime Minister Novalić.

Lana Pudar did not hide that she is enjoying the immense support she has received after winning the medal.

- The exceptional support from people and important institutions, the Government of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports means a lot to me, and I can promise that this is just the beginning of my successes and good results. The support I receive daily gives me even more wind in my sails, and I will strive to justify it - stated Lana Pudar at today's reception, to whom we wish much success and medals in the future.