Serbian sportsmen cheered on and given State scholarships by The Prime Minister!

- We are a humble and poor country which is why we are asking you please to be respective of the scholarship you've received. After all, those scholarships are your government's attempt to thank you for all the effort you have put in.

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I believe the future holds many victories for you and hope you will stay good people, regardless of the times we live in - said the Prime Minister of Serbia.

Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic and Minister of Youth and Sports Vanja Udovicic met today with the best athletes of Serbia, winners of state scholarships, 2015.

During reception at the Palace of Serbia, the Prime Minister pointed out that the sum the state gives for scholarships is not big, but it sure is a proof that athletes are extremely important to our country. Vucic also reflected on his personal experience of getting a scholarship while at University, saying how great a responsibility that was. As he recalled, that was the time when everything changed in his life.

Foto: Tanjug/Tanja Valič

Minister Udovicic also recalled the time when he, as a successful water polo player, won a scholarship.

- You must be really proud for having the State notice all of your effort. As a former sportsman, I very well know what a huge role gratification plays, especially when coming from the top. Serbia is proud to say that with each new year the number of medals and awards increases. We wish you all the success in 2015 hoping you'll achieve everything you hope for! - said Udovicic.

Foto: Tanjug/Tanja Valič

On behalf of the athletes spoke the kayaker Nikolina Moldovan and athlete Asmir Kolašinac, who have promised to justify the trust and strive to be role models for young people.  Scorer Dragan Ristic expressed his gratitude, too.

- We're all on the same mission here, a mission that will help us promote Serbia and defend its honor on the international scene. Hard work and dedication is our weapon and these scholarships are a mere proof that Serbia's sports scene functions amazingly well. – said Ristic.

Foto: Tanjug/Tanja Valič

The Ministry of Youth and Sports has planned to invest in about 370 top athletes coming from 49 sports federations through scholarships with a total of 270 million dinars. All of the deserving athletes are to expect the amount of approximately 74.955 dinars per month. Scholars of international standing will receive 49.970 dinars while those of the national class - 34, 979 dinars.

Foto: Tanjug/Tanja Valič

The list of scholars, among others, made athletes Ivana Španović, Emir Bekrić, Asmir Kolašinac and Tatjana Jelača, shooters Ivana Maksimovic, Andrea Arsović, Damir Mikec, Zoran Arunović and Dimitrije Grgic, swimmers Velimir Stjepanovic and Ivan Lenđer, kayaker and Nicolas Olivera Moldovan, wrestler Davor Stefanek, judo Stefan Nemanja and Majdov, Milica Mandic tekvondistkinje and Tijana Bogdanovic, weightlifters Tamas Kajdoči and Dušan Borković, motorist.

(Telegraf.rs / Tanjug)