Official flag unveiled for first Croatian Diaspora Friendship Games – Split & Brač 2026

The official flag of the Croatian Diaspora Friendship Games – Split & Brač 2026 has been unveiled, marking another step towards the international sports, cultural and business event set to take place in Croatia from 16–20 July 2026. 

The project is led by the American Croatian Congress (ACC) together with almost 70 partner organisations from Croatia and around the world, including media outlets, private companies and prominent Croatian diaspora organisations.

The official flag was symbolically unveiled simultaneously in North and South America, highlighting the global unity of Croatian communities.

In North America, the presentation took place at a business gathering hosted by the Dalmatian-American Club in San Pedro.

The historic club, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in early May, has long played an important role in preserving Croatian culture and heritage in the United States.

The event was attended by representatives from local institutions and the business community. The club is led by Rudy Svorinich, an American of Croatian descent.

Over the years, the club has hosted several senior Croatian officials, including Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlić Radman.

In South America, the project was presented online through the Bar Croata podcast, broadcast from Rosario.

The programme, hosted by Professor Javier Santich and Ivan Grbac, brings together members of the Croatian community in South America and the wider diaspora, many of whom are involved with the American Croatian Congress.

The simultaneous presentations reflected the strong links between Croatian communities across continents and reinforced the shared goal of strengthening Croatia’s global visibility.

Organisers say participants from around 35 countries are expected to attend the first edition of the Games.

The event will bring together Croatian emigrants, athletes, students, paralympians, people with disabilities, representatives of institutions, the Church and Croatian war veterans, as well as diplomats and guests from the United States and other countries.

The Games are envisioned not just as a single event but as a long-term platform connecting the Croatian diaspora with the homeland, strengthening cooperation across generations and continents.

The inaugural Croatian Diaspora Friendship Games will take place in Split and on the island of Brač.

The host institution is Aspira University College, while the official opening ceremony will be held on 16 July 2026 at the Meštrović Gallery.