Velimir Sandor

Started: He got involved in Para athletics in 2009 in Zagreb, Croatia. (Athlete, 06 Nov 2019) Reason: "I wanted to spend my free time outside of the house." (Athlete, 06 Nov 2019) Ambition: To win a medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. (gorica.hr, 03 Jun 2024) Awards: In 2021 he received the Golden Coat of Arms of Pokupsko, Croatia, in recognition of his contribution in promoting his hometown. (vgdanas.hr, 06 Mar 2021) In 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 he was named the Best Male Para Athlete in Velika Gorica, Croatia. (01portal.hr, 20 Dec 2018; zgprsten.hr, 29 Dec 2017; zsugvg.hr, 23 Dec 2016; velikagorica.com, 04 Feb 2016) In 2017 he was presented with the Franjo Bucar State Award. The honour is the highest recognition for athletes in Croatia. (crosport.hr, 23 Jan 2017) In 2016 he was named the Best Athlete in Zagreb County, Croatia. (vgdanas.hr, 25 Feb 2017) Additional Info: OCCUPATION He works at the Union of Sports Associations in Velika Gorica, Croatia. (gorica.hr, 03 Jun 2024) CAREER ASPIRATIONS After his retirement from competitive sport, he wants to follow in the footsteps of his parents and work in the agricultural industry. "I still do not know if I will continue to play sports or maybe turn to agriculture and pig or hen breeding in Opatija [Croatia]. I am interested in organic farming, pigs and hens working outside in harmony with nature. My wish is to sit on a quad or a tractor, and enjoy the beautiful nature in Vukomericke Gorice [a woodland mountain range in Croatia]." (cityportal.hr, 02 Nov 2019) FURTHER EDUCATION After graduating from the School of Electrical Engineering in Zagreb, Croatia, he became a qualified driving instructor. Following his accident, he retrained as an economic technician. (ssoizz.hr, 11 Dec 2020)