Karl-Heinz Rummenigge appointed as the ambassador of the Plazma Youth Sports Games
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a former German football player with a remarkable career and a member of the supervisory board of Bayern Munich, has been appointed as the ambassador of the Plazma Youth Sports Games.
This prestigious role aligns him with a distinguished group of ambassadors, including Aleksander Čeferin, president of UEFA, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, president of PSG, and renowned athletes such as Luka Modrić, Predrag Mijatović, Darijo Srna, Nemanja Vidić, and Slaven Bilić. His endorsement of the Games further solidifies its status as the largest sports amateur event in Europe.
During the 28 years since its inception, the Youth Sports Games have gathered more than 2.7 million children and youth in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia, and this year, Slovenia joined as the fourth country. The founder and president of the YSG, Zdravko Marić, greeted the attendees at the Sava Center in Belgrade and thanked all the sponsors and ambassadors who have supported the Games for many years: “When I look back at what we have done in these 28 years, I am always especially proud of all the children who participate in competitions and that we as an organization manage to make their participation completely free every year. I want to thank the governments of all countries where we hold the Games for their support. I always have to thank the great Predrag Mijatović especially, but also one of the best people I know, Aleksander Čeferin, whose support in recent years means a lot to us.”
Johannes Hahn, Commissioner of the European Commission for Budget and Administration, a steadfast ambassador of the Plazma Youth Sports Games, warmly welcomed Karl-Heinz Rummenigge in his own unique way. He celebrated the Games’ remarkable achievement of uniting four countries and hinted at the promising future of this sports saga, instilling a sense of belief in its continued growth and triumph.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, a true legend of the game, has a career that speaks for itself. A double winner of the Ballon d’Or, he was one of the most formidable strikers in the world during the 1970s and 1980s. His prowess on the field led to numerous victories, including the European Championship. After a successful career in Bayern, he now serves as a member of the supervisory board and has taken on the role of ambassador for the Youth Sports Games.
“I am overjoyed that I was declared the ambassador of the Youth Sports Games and that we gathered at such a great event, which is a great honor for me, and I thank everyone.” Addressing the participants, Rummenigge emphasized, among other things, that sport is an extraordinary tool to bring young people and children together, and their smiles are the most beautiful thing. He added that children from all countries should be one team that loves sports.”
At the ceremony, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge was honored by esteemed YSG ambassadors Aleksander Čeferin, president of UEFE, and Arkady Dvorkovich, president of FIDE – the world chess organization. His appointment was also celebrated by prominent sports officials, including Marijan Kustić, president of the Croatian Football Association; Dragan Džajić, president of the Serbian Football Association; Božidar Maljković, president of the Olympic Committee of Serbia; and Predrag Danilović, president of the Basketball Association of Serbia. These accolades further solidify his status as a respected figure in the sports community.
President of Serbia, Aleksandar Vučić, representatives of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and numerous media, mayors, and authorities of local administration and self-government supported the event.
“When you’re losing, never think you’re done and won before you’ve actually won. Never give up, as long as the game lasts. Fight and play until the end because you can always win if you fight. Dear Mr. Rummenige, I want to congratulate you and welcome you to the big Zdravko family. Because we are all fans of Zdravko Marić here.” – said the President of Serbia – Aleksandar Vučić, at the Sava Center.
The president pointed out that the participating children are much better than the adults and that he is sure that the whole region will be better off when the principles of the YSG participants, such as tolerance, mutual love, and respect, are adopted throughout the region.
Numerous guests from the sports, political and economic life, as well as representatives of sponsors Svetoslav Atanasov, Gorica Stojković, and Charlotte Cooper in front of the Coca-Cola Company, Saša Pozder, director and owner of Medical Investment Solutions, Hrvoje Prkačin, CEO of Europlakat, Krešimir Macan, owner of Manjgura, Marco Elio Rottigni, chief director of the sector for foreign banks of Intesa banka, Marko Filipović, mayor of Rijeka and Zoran Janković, mayor of Ljubljana, attended the ceremony.
Among the guests could be seen many famous faces, athletes and sports legends Ivan Perišić, Šime Vrsaljko, Nemanja Vidić, Aljoša Asanović, Aleksandar Kolarov, Aitor Karanca, Predrag Mijatović, Stipe Pletikosa, Mehmed Baždarević, Tonči Gabrić, Vladimir Radmanović, Marko Simeunović, Mirza Džomba, Gordan Perić, Zoran Bata Mirković, Jurica Vranješ, Igor Rakočević, Dejan Tomašević and many others.
The program included a show competition in dodgeball, one of the most popular sports disciplines of the Plazma Youth Sports Games. Children from Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia, and Herzegovina participated. The grand ceremony was broadcast live in nine countries on N1 Sportklub and Arena sports televisions, showcasing the talent and dedication of our young athletes.
The 28th season of the Plazma Youth Sports Games commenced in January with the program Zero Waste – Be part of the game – Let’s protect our planet. This unique initiative promotes sports and instills a sense of environmental responsibility.
