IOC President at the Games of the Small States of Europe - in Montenegro

He spent the day with athletes and volunteers in the athletes' village and also watched some sport. President Bach was able to attend the women's tennis final, before going on to the men's volleyball match between Monaco and Montenegro.

Later, the President joined athletes at the closing ceremony, along with European Olympic Committee President Janez Kocijančič and the President of the Montenegro NOC, Dušan Simonović.

President Bach praised the Games, telling athletes: “You have demonstrated that, regardless of whether you come from a large or small country, what really counts is a big heart and a great passion for sport.”

Earlier, in a meeting with the Prime Minister of Montenegro, Duško Marković, the two leaders discussed the role of sport in the development of the country and its role in nation-building. The Prime Minister told him: “Every euro spent on sport is a euro invested in the future of my country and its people.”

The Prime Minister also committed to supporting  the National Olympic Committee and respecting its autonomy.

Arriving in the country on Thursday, President Bach also held talks with the country's President, Milo Đukanović, in which they discussed the crucial role of sport in health and education as well as in nation-building,  and the importance of respecting the political neutrality of the Olympic Movement.