The Croatian Association of Private Shipowners (HUPB), the largest and oldest organization of tourist shipowners on the Adriatic, donated eight thousand euros for the trip of young athletes Ante Jurin and Antonio Bošnjak to the European Swimming Championships for people with Down Syndrome, which will be held from October 25 to November 3 in Albufeira, Portugal.
According to the Association, they wanted to recognize the effort and sportsmanship of these young athletes and free them from financial pressure so they could focus on what they do best.
“With the donation, we want to help Ante and Antonio travel to the championship without worries, but also to send a message that the community is behind them. Their story is an inspiration to all of us and an example of how perseverance and sport can change lives,” HUPB said and pointed out that they are eagerly awaiting reports on their performances in Portugal.
Ante and Antonio, members of the Paraswimming Club “Cipal” Split, along with their coach Jure Benić, through hard work and dedication swam the standards for this prestigious competition, organized by the Down Syndrome International Swimming Organisation. Their success is all the greater, the Club points out, because they are among only four Croatian swimmers with Down syndrome who have earned a place in the championship.
Ante and Antonio are not just athletes, says Cipl, they are examples of perseverance, strength and hope. Each of their medals and each race sends a strong message of inclusion, opportunity and togetherness.
The Cipal Split Paraswimming Club has been successfully working with children and young people with disabilities and developmental difficulties for almost two decades. The club was founded in 2006, and today it brings together more than 85 members involved in training programs for non-swimmers, recreational, therapeutic and competitive swimming. Over the years, it has produced numerous successful athletes, including participants in international competitions such as Nikolina Mitar, Ante Rađa and Leonard Renić, and Paralympic medalist Dino Sinovčić took his first swimming steps there. Ante Jurin also participated in last year’s World Swimming Championships for People with Down Syndrome held in Turkey.
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Although this competition is not funded by the Croatian Paralympic Committee, thanks to the support of the Croatian Paralympic Association, whose donation fully covered the costs of the performance of these young successful athletes, their adventure is now assured.
The Club emphasizes that this assistance is extremely important to them because it allows athletes to realize their dreams and show the results of years of effort, work, and discipline.
“We never expected such great help, and that we would achieve our goal in such a short time. We will keep the Association informed about everything, that is the least we can do for this commendable act,” the Club said.
