Nataša Kovačević, the promotional face of the 1st Subotica Half Marathon
Yesterday the second press conference was held at the City Hall on the occasion of the 1st Subotica Half Marathon, which will be held on 2 September 2017.
The occasion was the presentation of our celebrated basketball player Nataša Kovačević as the promotional face of the 1st Subotica Half Marathon.
At the very beginning, Deputy Mayor Tímea Horváth addressed the journalists; as host she greeted all those present and especially welcomed the cooperation between Nataša and the association Horizont as organiser of the 1st Subotica Half Marathon. She also pointed out how important this race is for sport and tourism in Subotica and why the city itself is a partner in organising this historic race.
Bálint Pásztor, Member of Parliament and also a member of the sports association Horizont, also took the floor, proudly emphasising the stature and the symbol that Nataša Kovačević represents. Pásztor added that another promotional face of the 1st Subotica Half Marathon will be presented soon, Subotica’s own Nora Trklja, well known among runners as the holder of the national record over 50 km and a multiple award-winning long-distance runner.
-When we talk about Sport, there is no need to say which branch of sport it is; it is enough to say someone’s name and surname to understand the meaning it carries. Nataša is the embodiment of persistence, strength and will, and Nora is someone who presents that on running courses throughout Serbia and beyond.
The 1st Subotica Half Marathon should carry that same energy.
Nataša Kovačević said in her own words how glad she is to be part of an event like this, which ties her in yet another way to a city she always gladly returns to.
-I respect Subotica as a city of sports and always remember it fondly, from the time when I played here and showed on the court with my teammates exactly what the runners will show on these streets on 2 September: persistence and the will to finish what you start.
Kristifor Bogdanić, president of the association Horizont, also addressed the journalists; besides emphasising the importance of Nataša Kovačević’s presence at the race on 2 September, he informed the journalists and all those present about the organisational activities and explained some of the organisers’ next steps, pointing out that the number of race participants is limited and that potential competitors should register as soon as possible at www.supm.rs
-We will soon show everyone interested the design of the medal and the T-shirt that all competitors will receive in their starter pack. Our race differs in many ways from races throughout Serbia and the region, namely the course itself and a host of other details we will talk about in the coming period. For everyone who intends to run through history, our race will be an unforgettable experience.
On behalf of the organisers, Bogdanić asked all our fellow citizens to have understanding and patience on 2 September, because the wider city centre will be at a standstill.
– We need everyone’s support, to stand behind the project together and show that Subotica is a wonderful city where everyone is welcome – Bogdanić added.
Nataša Kovačević began her club career at Partizan, then Voždovac, Crvena zvezda and Győr in Hungary, where she suffered a traffic accident after which part of her left leg was amputated. However, Nataša did not give up and in a short time, more precisely after a little over two years, she managed to return to the court in professional basketball and even win the Milan Ciga Vasojević Cup with Crvena zvezda. In this way she became a symbol of struggle and unwavering optimism for many.
Since 2016 she has served as president of the women’s basketball club Crvena zvezda. That same year Zvezda won the double: it defended the Cup trophy and, after 13 years, won the national championship title.
In February 2014 Nataša Kovačević was appointed a FIBA Youth Ambassador, and in March of the same year she founded her Foundation.
Press conference, 18 July 2017, Subotica, City Hall