The 27th Gjure Stjepan Deželić Memorial was held at Sports Park Zelenjak in Ivanić-Grad. The traditional firefighting competition gathered over 350 firefighters from 35 teams across Dalmatia, Slavonia, and continental Croatia.
The Croatian Firefighting Association of the City of Ivanić-Grad has organised the competition for nearly three decades. This year's edition carried added significance: teams representing Croatia at the Firefighting Olympics from 23 to 26 July in Austria also competed.
"We are particularly pleased that practically all the strongest teams in Croatia are participating, and for many of them this serves as important preparation for the Firefighting Olympics to be held in Austria," said Tomislav Abramović, commander of the Public Fire Brigade Ivanić-Grad. He noted that the Memorial is traditionally held on the third Sunday in June.
Dario Kezerić, commander of the Firefighting Association of Zagreb County, emphasised the practical value of the competition. He pointed out that most participants are active operational firefighters who respond to calls daily. "Such competitions contribute to the physical fitness of firefighters. Through training and competition, they further prepare for interventions and all other activities carried out in their voluntary and professional fire brigades," said Kezerić.
The host of this year's edition was the Šarampov Donji Volunteer Fire Brigade. The organisation was supported by the Croatian Firefighting Association and the City of Ivanić-Grad, the long-time patron of the event. Alongside the competitive element, the gathering provided an opportunity for the exchange of experiences among brigades from across the country.
The Memorial bears the name of Gjure Stjepan Deželić, one of the founders of Croatian firefighting. The Deželić family originates from the Ivanić-Grad area, giving the competition a special place within the local community.
