Croatia S-C Vancouver, a non-profits sports club that runs recreational programs for youth and adults, is celebrating a big anniversary this month.
President Dan Stefan admits the celebrations are somewhat muted, given the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. But that won’t stop them from continuing on as they follow their motto: “As long as there is heart, there will be Croatia.”
“Normally we would have had a banquet at the Croatian Cultural Centre but we don’t have an opportunity to do that right now,” he says. “We celebrated it at our annual golf tournament. That was one thing we were able to do.”
This month marks 60 years of @croatiascvan ??
“It is an incredible accomplishment to be one of the longest running Croatian sports clubs outside of Croatia & it wouldn’t be possible without the dedication & passion of our members.” Dan Stefan, Presidenthttps://t.co/0VVZysR4rl pic.twitter.com/OgCQz8Qj9j
— croatiascvan (@croatiascvan) October 13, 2021
Stefan points out Croatia S-C Vancouver is one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the world outside of Croatia proper.
“We’re doing our best to get the word out that we’re still here after 60 years and proud to be a part of the Vancouver sporting community,” he says. “We get a bit of publicity in the old country as well.”
The organization also hosts fundraisers and community events, including tournaments, picnics, and banquets.
“I want to sincerely thank the Croatian community in Metro Vancouver for all of the support over the past 60 years. It is an incredible accomplishment to be one of the longest running Croatian sports clubs outside of Croatia and it would not be possible without the dedication and passion of our members,” said Stefan.