On 7th October, 2013, the last day of 43rd AGM, EAMDA representatives were invited to the city hall of Zagreb. The mayor of Zagreb Mr. Milan Bandic with his coworkers welcomed the delegates. The mayor said that he is an honorable member of various national organizations in Croatia similar to EAMDA and that he is especially honoured to be part of particular this one. He said that city of Zagreb is on the level of all European capitals in aspect of standards for people with disabilities.
Ms. Marica Miric, the President of Association of muscular dystrophy societies of Croatia thanked to the mayor for his significant support he and his coworkers are especially showing to the people with neuromuscular disorders (MDA). Therefore people with MDA can easily use public transport (accessible trains and buses), cultural and sports activities in Zagreb as well as swimming area on the Adrtiatic and completely accessible lake Bundek. She also added that Mr. Bandic as a mayor is conducting systematic policy to all people and that his 24/7 personal availability to people with NMD should be an example to all mayors of European capitals.
The President of EAMDA, Mr. Boris Sustarsic stressed out that orderliness and accessibility categorize Zagreb as a modern city with well thought-out concepts and ambitious projects in the coming years. Thanks to the science and modern medicine people with MDA has longer lifespan, and they want to realize their active social role. In many cases people with MDA demonstrate above average cognitive skills, but only if they are adequately educated, are able to get a job and become effective to the whole society. Thus, such activation of human resources results in a certain social and economic benefits for both – people with NMD and the city of Zagreb. Mayor Bandic has also accepted Mr Sustarsic’s suggestion to provide accessible facilities in new part of Zagreb aimed at developing al the activities of the Croatian Association of people with NMD.
