“It is an honour to be part of this send-off because for the first time in history the National Assembly is the host of the event. In this way we have once again shown that the National Assembly House is the house of all the citizens of Serbia, including the Paralympians who have shown how brave they are in facing the difficulties they come up against.”

The Speaker stressed how impressed she was with the Paralympians’ enthusiasm, strength and dedication and their wish to be the best ambassadors of Serbia.

“Today, you have conveyed a message to all persons with disabilities in Serbia who thanks to you want to take on sports and whose numbers are growing with each year. I saw how proudly you accepted your country’s flag and given the confidence and encouragement to people facing similar difficulties”, said the Speaker.

On the behalf of all the MPs and herself, she extended full support to the athletes saying that she had no doubt they would again, just like in Beijing and London, surprise us with their achievements.

“While we cheer you on, you think of Serbia, and we as a society, parliamentarians, the Government, will strive to repay you because we are very proud of you”, concluded Gojkovic.

The attending were also addressed by the Minister of Youth and Sport Vanja Udovicic saying “for us you already are champions and winners because you alone know how much sacrifice, effort, training and struggle was needed to get where you are now.”

Michael Davenport, Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, commended the decision to organise the send-off at the National Assembly House. “This sends an important message of Serbia’s support of paralympism, and I would like to emphasise how happy I am by the fact that three more athletes will compete in these games than in the last, which is considerable progress!”

The Paralympic Committee of Serbia and the Apatin Brewery have signed an official partnership agreement, and the President of the Paralympic Committee of Serbia Zoran Micovic said that this gains them not only a sponsor, but a partner to help them along the road to even bigger success.

“We expect to bring a lot of medals from Rio, root for us!”, said Micovic.

On the behalf of Serbia’s Paralympic Team Borislava Peric Rankovic, herself taking part in the games for the third time, said that she expects big results, both hers and from the other members of Serbia’s national team. She reminded everybody that by the number of medals Serbia was among the most successful countries in the London Paralympics. “It is a challenge to again earn a victory over ourselves and everybody around us. So, thanks to everyone who helped us and who are going to continue helping us on the road to new medals because that will help and support all disabled people in Serbia.”

In the Paralympics in Brazil Serbia will be represented by 16 athletes in four disciplines.

Click here to watch the formal send-off of the Paralympic Team.