The Caravan of about 300 students, aged 9 to 12 years, from six municipalities included in the project “Sports as a Factor for Tolerance, Unity and Respect”, which is implemented under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today visited the municipality Suto Orizari.

President Ivanov, who attended the sport and cultural event within the project, reminded that after Prilep this is the second municipality in which the students through sports and game socialize and make friends.

”What we have seen in Prilep and here, shows that young people need and want to be friends with each other. Through friendship they acquaint and see Macedonia as a country of diversity, which we respect, we have constantly cherished. It is of particular importance to feel that power which gives unity at a very young age”, president Ivanov said.

According to him, young people should be given the opportunity to make friends and through sports to gain the sense of competition, but in life to focus on achieving success and gaining greater knowledge. Growing up in a multiethnic environment is a great benefit and advantage, and sport is an excellent basis for cohesion, exchange and friendship.

President informed that other municipalities show interest to join this project.

The project is implemented by the Association for Development Initiatives - Geostrategic Institute “Global” in partnership with the municipalities involved in its implementation - Prilep, Tetovo, Center, Staro Nagoricane, Suto Orizari and Vrapciste. The project aims to enable primary school students from six communities through sports, socializing, communicating and visiting local cultural sites to become better acquainted with their peers who come from different cultural and ethnic communities, to develop a spirit of unity and mutual understanding and respect.

President Gjorge Ivanov in Suto Orizari congratulated the International Day of Roma. He met with Mayor Elvis Bajram and municipal councilors, who expressed appreciation for this first visit of the President to the Municipality, and that the event happens on the eve of the Day of Roma.