President Milanović Receives Members of IT Club “NET,” Croatia’s Representatives at International High School Robotics Competition

The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović met today with the leaders, mentors, and representatives of the IT Club “NET” from Ivanić Grad, who will represent Croatia at the annual international high school robotics competition. The event, modelled on the Olympic Games, is called the FIRST Global Challenge and will take place in Panama from 29 October to 1 November.

At the competition, which has attracted teams from more than 190 countries, one team from each nation designs and programs a robot to tackle challenges related to STEM fields. Team leader Mario Želježnjak explained that the initiative not only promotes collaboration among young people but also encourages education with the goal of fostering future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

President Milanović wished the Croatian team success in Panama and emphasized the importance of creating opportunities in Croatia that will inspire young roboticists to remain and build their careers in the country after completing their education.

At the meeting, representatives of the IT Club highlighted that Croatia has been participating in international robotics competitions since 2017, achieving notable results. The Croatian Robotics Association brings together 32 organizations from across the country, with the IT Club “NET” from Ivanić Grad among the oldest, having been active since 1998.

The Croatian competitors – Veronika Mihinec, Arian Večerin, Fran Mance, Marko Fugaš, and Toma Gašparović – introduced themselves to President Milanović and presented the robot they will be competing with. They were accompanied by their mentors and expert associates Hrvoje Tišljar, Martin Franković, Branko Lončar, Stela Jalžečić, and Marin Kurešić. President Milanović was joined by his Adviser for Education, Jadranka Žarković.

PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Dario Andrišek