Under the auspices of the President of the Republic of Macedonia, Dr. Gjorge Ivanov, today, at the square “Macedonia”, the sport-cultural event started, as part of the project “Sport as factor for tolerance, unity and respect”.

More than 300 students from six municipalities went to the Cathedral “St. Kliment Ohridski”, where participants from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds had the opportunity to learn the basics of the Christian religion, history and the significance of the cathedral, the process of its construction and the meaning of the frescoes.

The last point of the youth sports caravan was the football field of FC “Rabotnicki” in the City Park, where the participants attended UEFA-led sports training.

The project, which over the past two months, was implemented in the six partner municipalities, aims to enable primary school students through sport, socializing, communication and visiting local cultural sites, to become better acquainted with their peers who come from different cultural or ethnic communities, to develop a spirit of unity and mutual understanding and respect.

President Ivanov at the square “Macedonia” which the caravan began said that through this activity we enable young people to practice sports, to socialize intensively, and to better acquaint their homeland.

”We started in Prilep and today we are in the Municipality Centre, with children who socialize and entertain themselves through this project. Evident is the need children to socialize with each other and we clearly see that there children have no prejudice”, President Ivanov said.

The Head of State said that today’s visit of the cathedral all children will learn about the basic values of Christianity. He informed that next week when the caravan will be in Tetovo, they will visit the Painted Mosque, where they will have the opportunity to become familiar with the basic values of Islam.

”That is a huge advantage, due to the fact that the Republic of Macedonia is a country of diversity”, the President said.

The Mayor of the Municipality Centre, also host of today's event, Vladimir Todorovic, said that the municipality will always support and participate in the organization of such events.

"With special pleasure we are participating in this project and in all similar initiatives aimed at representing the traditions of all ethnic communities in the Republic of Macedonia", Mayor Todorovic added.

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.