Croatian canoeing is mourning the death of Marko Curkovic who has passed away at the age of 78 after a short and serious illness. 

Curkovic, who was born on March 5, 1946, held the position of President of the Croatian Canoe Federation until his untimely death. 

He was first elected to the role in 2000 and held it until this day, with a break from 2007 to 2012.  

During this period, Curkovic accepted the position of Assistant Secretary General of the Croatian Olympic Committee.  

He remained in this position until his retirement in 2012 before returning as head of the Croatian Canoe Federation. 

In the mandate period of 2000 to 2004, Curkovic was a volunteer member of the Council of the umbrella sports organisation.  

Curkovic was versatile and in addition to the work tasks he performed, he excelled in activities in other areas as well. 

He cultivated a love for sports for his entire life, actively playing tennis and dedicating numerous hours to canoeing. 

Tranquil as a man, Curkovic was loved in all the environments where he appeared.  

He was known and appreciated both in Croatia and throughout Europe and world in the canoeing family, where he participated as a representative in the assembly of the International Canoe Federation and European Canoe Association. 

“Croatian sport has lost a great enthusiast, a friend who made an immeasurable contribution to the development of canoeing and will remain in our hearts as a great man and a dear friend,” Croatian Canoe Federation wrote in its Memoriam. 

We would like to express sincere condolences to his family and friends. Marko, rest in peace. 

Words by Nina Jelenc