ALEN BOGDAN (CRO) awarded with EFPM FAIR PLAY FLAME DIPLOMA 2025

ALEN BOGDAN (CRO) from the Industrial and Craft School in Slatina received the FAIR PLAY FLAME DIPLOMA 2025 from the European Fair Play Movement — a truly well-deserved recognition.

Alen competed in the 400-meter race, which was extremely close between him and Matija Smolčić from the Center for Education and Upbringing in Zagreb. As the two leading runners approached the finish line, the outcome was still uncertain. Suddenly, Matija fell — and without hesitation, Alen stopped to help her back to her feet. Only after making sure she could continue did Alen resume the race.

That moment of sportsmanship came at a cost. Alen lost his leading position and eventually finished fourth, 11 seconds behind the bronze medalist. Matija suffered only minor injuries, which were treated by the student sports medics from Čakovec High School.

The diploma was presented by Danira Bilić, a world-renowned Croatian basketball player who won three silver medals at major competitions – the European Championships in Madrid (1987), the Olympic Games in Seoul (1988) and the World Championships in Kuala Lumpur (1990).

Photos: Lana Baic

17.12.2025