The Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic (MCRaŠ SR) and the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic (MoD SR) today solemnly signed a memorandum of cooperation, which aims to strengthen ties between the areas of sport, phy
April 14, 2025
Ministry | Sport | Press releases
The Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic (MCRaŠ SR) and the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic (MoD SR) today signed a memorandum of cooperation aimed at strengthening ties between the areas of sport, physical fitness and defence capability of the Slovak Republic. The memorandum was signed by the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic Ivana Šufliarská Libiaková and the State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic Igor Melicher.
The signing of the memorandum is the result of the joint efforts of both ministries to create a synergistic link between sports activities and the development of physical and mental abilities of citizens, which are an integral part of the preparation for national defense. At the same time, the document emphasizes the support of young talents, the promotion of the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic (AF SR) and the development of military education in schools.
"By joining the forces of the Ministry of Sport and Defence, we want to create a system that motivates young people to move, discipline and values such as teamwork, perseverance and responsibility. These are the pillars that not only shape an athlete, but also a citizen ready to defend his country," said State Secretary Ivana Šufliarská Libiaková.
The memorandum frames cooperation in a wide range of areas, including:
• organization of joint sports and military events and recruitment activities for the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic,
• support for military exercises in schools and support for a healthy lifestyle of young people,
• the use of sports influencers and ambassadors to promote careers in the AF SR,
• joint construction and use of sports and training facilities,
• cooperation with national sports federations, especially in disciplines relevant to defence (e.g. biathlon, parachuting, combat sports, diving, e-sports and others),
• exchange of knowledge between sports coaches and experts from the Armed Forces of the Slovak Republic.
State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic Igor Melicher emphasized the importance of the memorandum for the long-term strategy of national defence: "In building a comprehensive readiness for national defence, I perceive sport as an inseparable cornerstone of the resilience of our population. Interdepartmental cooperation brings us the desired efficiency in achieving common goals and expands the development of cooperation to include responsible state actors," said State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of the Slovak Republic Igor Melicher.
At the same time, both sides declared their interest in developing cooperation with other ministries, including the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Transport, with the aim of creating a comprehensive and effective system of support for sport and defence in the Slovak Republic.