Olympic Committee of Kosovo
|
Olympic Committee of Kosovo logo | |
| Country/Region |
 Kosovo |
|---|---|
| Code | KOS |
| Created | 1992 |
| Recognized | 9 December 2014 |
| Continental Association | EOC |
| Headquarters | Pristina |
| President | Besim Hasani[1] |
| Secretary General | Mehmet Bogujevci |
| Website | noc-kosovo.org/ |
The Olympic Committee of Kosovo (Albanian: Komiteti Olimpik i Kosovës, Serbian: Олимпијски комитет Косова / Olimpijski komitet Kosova) is the National Olympic Committee representing Kosovo. Officially established in 1992, the OCK became a full member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Movement on 9 December 2014. It is responsible for Kosovo's participation at the Olympic Games.
Kosovo is expected to participate at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the 2015 European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan.
History
The Olympic Committee of Kosovo (OCK) was officially established in 1992.[2] The United Nations-led administration in Kosovo previously established a working group to engage with the IOC to allow athletes to participate in the Olympic Games. Due to its status, Kosovan athletes were not allowed to compete under the flag of Kosovo, until the recognition in 2014. Therefore, during the 2012 Summer Olympics, Kosovan judoka and world champion, Majlinda Kelmendi had to compete for Albania instead.[3] Kosovan athletes of Serbian ethnicity participated as part of Serbia and Montenegro and Serbia
In October 2014 the International Olympic Committee provisionally recognised the Olympic Committee of Kosovo and gave it full membership on 9 December 2014.[4][5] At that time, Kosovo was not a member or observer state of the United Nations, but it has gained diplomatic recognition as a sovereign state by 108 out of 193 UN member states. It is expected that Kosovo will participate in the Rio de Janeiro games of the 2016 Summer Olympics.[6]
Prior to the IOC recognition, Kosovo athletes took part in the Special Olympics from 2003 to 2011.[7][8] A body known as the Special Olympics Kosovo was established to provide support for these athletes.[9] Athletes from Kosovo participated at the 4th World Sports Games for Little People in Rambouillet, France in 2005.[10] A Paralympic federation is planned.[11]
References
- ↑ Fillimi
- ↑ ""The NOC of Kosovo was established in 1992 and has more than 30 affiliated National Federations (NFs).."". Olympic.org. Olympic Games.
- ↑ Brajshori, Muhamet. "Kosovo disappointed about Olympics snub". SETimes.com date=2012-07-24. Retrieved January 17, 2013.
- ↑ Olympics: IOC has no concerns over Kosovo recognition
- ↑ "Kosovo to compete at Rio 2016 Olympics after recognition from IOC", Associated Press, 9 December 2014.
- ↑ Kosovo given go-ahead by IOC to take part in 2016 Olympics
- ↑ Team Kosovo
- ↑ 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games > EE.SO Kosovo
- ↑ Kosovo
- ↑ Little People of Kosova
- ↑ "Exclusive: Kosovo now targeting Paralympic membership following Olympics acceptance". Inside The Games. Retrieved 9 December 2014.