5 March 2012 - Rade MILINKOVIC, emblem of Croatian archery, has passed away

Rade MILINKOVIC, emblem of Croatian archery, has passed away Lausanne – 5 March 2012  It is with great sadness that World Archery was informed of the passing of Mr Rade MILINKOVIC at the age of 88. He had served in archery as a volunteer for more than 50 years and had friends all over the world.   Rade MILINKOVICstarted in archery in 1956 as he was already a well-known sport pistol shooter. He established the archery club "Rijeka" in the city of Rijeka, Croatia in the year 1960. Always devoted to the recurve shooting style Rade MILINKOVICwas the teacher of many generations of archers not only in the club but also outside.   As a member of the Yugoslav national team he participated in three world championships (Outdoor 1971 York, Outdoor 1973 Grenoble, Field 1974 Zagreb) and five European championships (1968 Austria, 1970 Czech Republic, 1972 Luxembourg, 1974 Zagreb, 1976 Denmark). He was also holder of national records at 90 and 30 metres.   As a brilliant organiser he was tournament director at the Mediterranean Games in 1979 in Split (Croatia) and at the Balkan Championships in Rijeka (Croatia) in 1988. He was also chairman of the FITA Instructors' courses in Croatia in the years 1987, 1988, and 1989.   Rade MILINKOVICwas Secretary General of the Yugoslav Archery Federation for many years, and he served as Secretary General of the Croatian Archery Association more than 10 years until 2000.   As a national judge he served at the European Junior Cup, European Junior Championships and European Grand Prix, all held in Porec, and at the Field World Championships in 2004 in Plitvice, Croatia, though aged 80, and at many national tournaments in Croatia.   In 1981 Rade MILINKOVICreceived a FITA Bronze Plaquette for his contribution to the development of archery. He was a dedicated archery and volunteer in the sport, and archery will greatly miss him. Our condolences go to his family and friends.   World Archery Communication