Galeb Summer Camp 2025: A Gala for the History Books
By Carlos Hernandez
August 7, 2025
On August 6, 2025, the Galeb Summer Camp celebrated its 30th anniversary with a spectacular gala that marked a historic milestone in the world of taekwondo. The event not only commemorated three decades of success but also highlighted the global influence of a camp that has been the cradle of great figures in the sport.
The First Steps Toward Success
The Galeb Taekwondo Club was founded in Belgrade in 1991 by visionary Dragan Jović, at a time when taekwondo was not yet widely established in Serbia. Through rigorous discipline, innovative training methods, and a long-term strategic vision, Jović transformed Galeb into one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe and the world.
Over more than three decades, the club has achieved remarkable milestones: 4 Olympic medals (2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze), 9 medals at World Championships (4 gold and 5 bronze), 23 medals at European Championships (5 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze), and more than 20 medals in international cadet and junior competitions.
Today, Dragan Jović is internationally recognized for his ability to take a country with little taekwondo tradition to the very top of the sport, reaching Olympic glory.
30th Anniversary Gala: A Gathering of Stars
With the presence of distinguished leaders, elite athletes, and international figures from the world of taekwondo, the Galeb Summer Camp 2025 gala was an event filled with glamour, prestige, and emotion. The evening began with a warm welcome to the guests, who took their seats at elegantly decorated tables and enjoyed exquisite Serbian cuisine and fine drinks.
The event opened on a touching note when singer Ana Janković, from the Capital Taekwondo Club in Ottawa, Canada, performed the Serbian national anthem with an angelic voice that moved everyone present. In addition, an eight-minute video was shown, highlighting key moments in the camp’s history, featuring testimonials, interviews, and historical photographs that captured Galeb’s impact on the world of taekwondo.
In his opening speech, Dragan Jović stated:
“Today we celebrate three decades of sport, friendship, and unforgettable memories. We are deeply grateful to all those who have shared this passion with us over the years. It has been a long and challenging journey, but we are excited for what the next 30 years will bring. Thank you all for joining us in this historic moment!”
Tribute to Taekwondo Figures
The event was not only a celebration but also a space to pay tribute to those who have left an indelible mark on taekwondo. Renowned leaders and athletes, both national and international, were honored for their contributions to the sport.
Dejan Burčul, President of the Serbian Taekwondo Federation, congratulated the Galeb Summer Camp for its tireless work and dedication over the years. Djordje Višacki, a member of the Serbian Olympic Committee, also addressed the audience, highlighting the club’s impact in the country.
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One of the most anticipated moments was the tribute to Mohamed Shaaban, a World Taekwondo executive, former Egyptian athlete, and Director of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Shaaban praised Jović’s tireless work and leadership in developing taekwondo in Serbia.
Otro homenajeado fue Ionnis Mouroutsos, Director Deportivo de la Unión Europea de Another honoree was Ionnis Mouroutsos, Sports Director of the European Taekwondo Union and member of the World Taekwondo Events Committee, who acknowledged Jović’s efforts in training champions.
Olympic athletes Milica Mandić and Tijana Bogdanović, pillars of Serbia’s success in taekwondo, were also honored, expressing their gratitude for the Galeb Summer Camp’s constant support throughout their careers.
From the Americas, Cito René Forero, President of the Colombian Taekwondo Federation and Olympic coach, expressed his gratitude upon receiving recognition on such a special night.
“It is an honor to be part of this great family that has made this camp an international benchmark,” Forero stated, accompanied by his wife, world medalist Andrea Ramírez.
The Show: Between Magic and Strength
To add a touch of distinction, the gala featured amazing performances by magician Igor Trifunov and master Muhammed Kahrimanovic, known as Mr. Hammerhand, who has broken more than 70 Guinness World Records thanks to his extraordinary strength.
Awards for Outstanding Coaches and Collaborators
One of the most anticipated moments was the awards ceremony honoring the world’s most influential coaches. Renowned trainers such as:
• Toni Tomas (Croatia)
• Rosando Alonso (Spain)
• Gulsah Kuscu Alonso (Turkey)
• Jesús Ramal (Spain)
• Suvi Mikkonen (Finland)
were recognized. All of them have contributed significantly to winning Olympic medals and the development of the sport.
The Galeb Summer Camp also recognized the team that has supported the event throughout the years. Special recognition was given to the contributions of:
• Dr. Seyed Nemat Khalifeh
• Dr. Reza Imanzadeh
• Uroš Todorović
• Stevan Rašić
• Dr. Marija Pavlović
• Monika Varga
• Nebojša Šakić
• Dr. Snežana Banković
• Radomir Samardžić
Additionally, key individuals behind the camp’s success were honored, including:
• Đorđe Rašić (member of the Zepter Group)
• Vojislav Alimpić (Director of Hotel Zepter)
• Van Radović (President of the Municipal Assembly of Vrnjačka Banja)
Olympic finalists Adriana Cerezo Iglesias (silver in Tokyo 2020) and Viviana Marton (gold in 2024) were also honored, along with Mr. Abdulah Unlubay, Director of KPNP Europe. Media outlets such as Mundo Taekwondo and Arena Fight, represented by Carlos Hernández and Katarina Stam, received awards for their support of taekwondo’s development.
A Special Recognition for the European Medalists
European medalists from the Galeb club, Lev Korneev and Andrea Bokan, received a warm ovation from their teammates, who celebrated their achievements with heartfelt applause. This award was presented by Serbia’s two-time Olympic medalists, Milica and Tijana.
An Emotional Finale
To close the evening, Dragan Jablan, the first prominent athlete from the Galeb club, delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting Dragan Jović’s journey and the significance of his achievements for Serbia, reaffirming the camp’s impact on the history of taekwondo.
Galeb Summer Camp 2025 not only celebrated a 30-year legacy but also planted the seeds for many more years of success and contributions to the sport. An unforgettable event that will continue to be a cornerstone for the evolution of taekwondo worldwide.
Source: https://mundotaekwondo.com/
By Carlos Hernandez
August 7, 2025
On August 6, 2025, the Galeb Summer Camp celebrated its 30th anniversary with a spectacular gala that marked a historic milestone in the world of taekwondo. The event not only commemorated three decades of success but also highlighted the global influence of a camp that has been the cradle of great figures in the sport.
The First Steps Toward Success
The Galeb Taekwondo Club was founded in Belgrade in 1991 by visionary Dragan Jović, at a time when taekwondo was not yet widely established in Serbia. Through rigorous discipline, innovative training methods, and a long-term strategic vision, Jović transformed Galeb into one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe and the world.
Over more than three decades, the club has achieved remarkable milestones: 4 Olympic medals (2 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze), 9 medals at World Championships (4 gold and 5 bronze), 23 medals at European Championships (5 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze), and more than 20 medals in international cadet and junior competitions.
Today, Dragan Jović is internationally recognized for his ability to take a country with little taekwondo tradition to the very top of the sport, reaching Olympic glory.
30th Anniversary Gala: A Gathering of Stars
With the presence of distinguished leaders, elite athletes, and international figures from the world of taekwondo, the Galeb Summer Camp 2025 gala was an event filled with glamour, prestige, and emotion. The evening began with a warm welcome to the guests, who took their seats at elegantly decorated tables and enjoyed exquisite Serbian cuisine and fine drinks.
The event opened on a touching note when singer Ana Janković, from the Capital Taekwondo Club in Ottawa, Canada, performed the Serbian national anthem with an angelic voice that moved everyone present. In addition, an eight-minute video was shown, highlighting key moments in the camp’s history, featuring testimonials, interviews, and historical photographs that captured Galeb’s impact on the world of taekwondo.
In his opening speech, Dragan Jović stated:
“Today we celebrate three decades of sport, friendship, and unforgettable memories. We are deeply grateful to all those who have shared this passion with us over the years. It has been a long and challenging journey, but we are excited for what the next 30 years will bring. Thank you all for joining us in this historic moment!”
Tribute to Taekwondo Figures
The event was not only a celebration but also a space to pay tribute to those who have left an indelible mark on taekwondo. Renowned leaders and athletes, both national and international, were honored for their contributions to the sport.
Dejan Burčul, President of the Serbian Taekwondo Federation, congratulated the Galeb Summer Camp for its tireless work and dedication over the years. Djordje Višacki, a member of the Serbian Olympic Committee, also addressed the audience, highlighting the club’s impact in the country.
ChatGPT의 말:
One of the most anticipated moments was the tribute to Mohamed Shaaban, a World Taekwondo executive, former Egyptian athlete, and Director of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Shaaban praised Jović’s tireless work and leadership in developing taekwondo in Serbia.
Otro homenajeado fue Ionnis Mouroutsos, Director Deportivo de la Unión Europea de Another honoree was Ionnis Mouroutsos, Sports Director of the European Taekwondo Union and member of the World Taekwondo Events Committee, who acknowledged Jović’s efforts in training champions.
Olympic athletes Milica Mandić and Tijana Bogdanović, pillars of Serbia’s success in taekwondo, were also honored, expressing their gratitude for the Galeb Summer Camp’s constant support throughout their careers.
From the Americas, Cito René Forero, President of the Colombian Taekwondo Federation and Olympic coach, expressed his gratitude upon receiving recognition on such a special night.
“It is an honor to be part of this great family that has made this camp an international benchmark,” Forero stated, accompanied by his wife, world medalist Andrea Ramírez.
The Show: Between Magic and Strength
To add a touch of distinction, the gala featured amazing performances by magician Igor Trifunov and master Muhammed Kahrimanovic, known as Mr. Hammerhand, who has broken more than 70 Guinness World Records thanks to his extraordinary strength.
Awards for Outstanding Coaches and Collaborators
One of the most anticipated moments was the awards ceremony honoring the world’s most influential coaches. Renowned trainers such as:
• Toni Tomas (Croatia)
• Rosando Alonso (Spain)
• Gulsah Kuscu Alonso (Turkey)
• Jesús Ramal (Spain)
• Suvi Mikkonen (Finland)
were recognized. All of them have contributed significantly to winning Olympic medals and the development of the sport.
The Galeb Summer Camp also recognized the team that has supported the event throughout the years. Special recognition was given to the contributions of:
• Dr. Seyed Nemat Khalifeh
• Dr. Reza Imanzadeh
• Uroš Todorović
• Stevan Rašić
• Dr. Marija Pavlović
• Monika Varga
• Nebojša Šakić
• Dr. Snežana Banković
• Radomir Samardžić
Additionally, key individuals behind the camp’s success were honored, including:
• Đorđe Rašić (member of the Zepter Group)
• Vojislav Alimpić (Director of Hotel Zepter)
• Van Radović (President of the Municipal Assembly of Vrnjačka Banja)
Olympic finalists Adriana Cerezo Iglesias (silver in Tokyo 2020) and Viviana Marton (gold in 2024) were also honored, along with Mr. Abdulah Unlubay, Director of KPNP Europe. Media outlets such as Mundo Taekwondo and Arena Fight, represented by Carlos Hernández and Katarina Stam, received awards for their support of taekwondo’s development.
A Special Recognition for the European Medalists
European medalists from the Galeb club, Lev Korneev and Andrea Bokan, received a warm ovation from their teammates, who celebrated their achievements with heartfelt applause. This award was presented by Serbia’s two-time Olympic medalists, Milica and Tijana.
An Emotional Finale
To close the evening, Dragan Jablan, the first prominent athlete from the Galeb club, delivered a heartfelt speech highlighting Dragan Jović’s journey and the significance of his achievements for Serbia, reaffirming the camp’s impact on the history of taekwondo.
Galeb Summer Camp 2025 not only celebrated a 30-year legacy but also planted the seeds for many more years of success and contributions to the sport. An unforgettable event that will continue to be a cornerstone for the evolution of taekwondo worldwide.
Source: https://mundotaekwondo.com/
