Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker and Zlatko Mateša, the President of the National Olympic Committee of Croatia, signing the Memorandum of Understanding to establish a “Croatia House” in San Pedro during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
ZAGREB, CROATIA – Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker and the President of the National Olympic Committee of Croatia, Zlatko Mateša, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today to establish a “Croatia House” in San Pedro during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The agreement, signed today in front of U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Croatia Nathalie Rayes and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn in Zagreb, Croatia, formalizes a commitment between Los Angeles and Croatia to celebrate Croatian culture and community spirit in the Los Angeles port community.
Olympic Houses are hospitality and cultural venues set up by participating countries in host cities during the Olympic Games. They provide gathering places for national teams, fans, and the public to celebrate and experience each nation’s culture. These venues offer a range of activities, including cultural showcases, live event broadcasts, athlete meet-and-greets, traditional food, and merchandise, creating an immersive and festive environment.
“San Pedro has a proud Croatian community that has helped shape the spirit and culture of Los Angeles, and we’re honored to bring visitors from Croatia, Croatian athletes, dignitaries, and Croatian Angelenos together in the Harbor for the 2028 Olympics,” said Councilmember Tim McOsker. “This partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Croatia allows us to showcase Croatian heritage, deepen our international bonds, and celebrate the global cooperation that the Olympics represent. Croatia House will create a space for all to experience Croatian culture firsthand, right here in our port community.”
The MOU between Los Angeles City Council District 15 and the National Olympic Committee of Croatia envisions Croatia House as a cultural hub during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, inviting the public to participate in activities, cultural exchanges, and community celebrations.
“Today’s signing between the City of Los Angeles and the Croatian Olympic Committee marks an exciting milestone in our partnership,” said U.S. Ambassador to Croatia, Nathalie Rayes. “Croatia House will be a home away from home in San Pedro, where the Croatian community has contributed to the city’s vibrancy for decades. During the 2028 Olympic Games, Croatia House will showcase Croatia’s culture, athletic excellence, and the enduring ties between our nations. We look forward to welcoming athletes, fans, and the global community to experience the spirit of Croatia firsthand in Los Angeles.”
Croatian heritage is significant to Los Angeles, especially in San Pedro, which is home to one of the largest Croatian diasporas outside of Croatia, with over 30,000 residents of Croatian descent. This initiative will be located within the boundaries of both Council District 15 and Los Angeles County’s District 4, represented by Supervisor Janice Hahn.
“We came to Croatia to pitch the idea of hosting Croatia House in San Pedro and I applaud Councilman Tim McOsker for sealing the deal,” said Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn. “The ties between San Pedro and Croatia run deep and even Croatia’s highest officials know about our tight-knit Croatian American community. In 2028, Croatia House in San Pedro is going to be a home away from home for Croatian Olympic and Paralympic athletes, national leaders, and thousands of visitors, and an opportunity for San Pedro to further strengthen the connection between our community and the Croatian people.”
The MOU emphasizes collaboration in planning and consulting between Los Angeles and Croatia, fostering an international partnership that furthers the Olympic spirit. This commitment also positions San Pedro as an international destination.
Effective for four years, the MOU ensures that both parties will work together to establish Croatia House by 2028. It outlines responsibilities, with each party covering its own costs and allowing flexibility in the project’s scope. The collaboration may also include personnel exchanges and specialized training in cultural and Olympic hospitality, with both parties exploring additional opportunities to enhance cooperation within their capabilities.
The signing ceremony in Zagreb symbolizes the international unity and goodwill fostered by the Olympic Games. This agreement embodies a shared commitment to celebrate and strengthen the friendship between the people of Croatia and Los Angeles.
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