On today’s meeting with the members of the Army of the Republic of Macedonia, Darko Damjanovski and Gjorgji Icoski, who qualified the norm for participation in the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, the Minister of Defence Zoran Konjanovski awarded them testimonial and plaques in the symbol of remembering their achieved success.

- The dream and prime of every sports player in the career is to be part of the great Olympic friendship. This is why on behalf of the employees in the Ministry I congratulate them on their success which means a lot for Macedonia, stated Minister Konjanovski. Darko Damjanovski stated that this period the preparations are being finalized for participation in the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver, Canada, which will be held from February 12 to 28.

- I will participate in 15 km Nordic skiing which will be held on February 15 and we expect good results because this year we worked and trained strenuously. I hope that we will show our best, added Damjanovski.

Gjorgji Icoski stated that for the first time in the history of winter sports in Macedonia, Olympic norms have been met in Macedonia for participation in Winter Olympic Games. Darko Damjanovski has thus far received many recognitions for achieved results, including first place of the Mavrovo FIS-Cup in 2007 and both second places in the European Biathlon Cup.

Gjorgji Icoski has won third place in the European Biathlon Championship, as well as the first place in the Balkans in Cross-Country Skiing. At the very end of serving military service in 2009 he won first place in the International Army Cup in Mavrovo.

During the meeting the Minister stated that the Ministry of Defence will continue also in the future to work in providing excellent conditions for ARM members which are sports players.

In that direction Minister Konjanovski stated the idea of forming a Regional Training Centre for Winter Sports in Popova Shapka.