About us
Our mission
The Sport2Life Association is a project dedicated to promoting a healthy and active life and good habits in children through sports.
Our mission is to promote, support and enable sports for children of primary school age. Through organized sports activities, we will promote healthy habits, the positive impact of sports and children’s education.
We believe that by educating children, families and the public about the importance of sports, regular activities and good nutrition, we can motivate our children to continue to engage in sports activities and live a healthy and happy life.
“Sports changed my life. It subconsciously taught me discipline, dedication and teamwork before I knew what those words meant. It taught me the meaning of Fair Play and respect. It taught me how to win and lose. It gave me the tools to be a better student and allowed me to afford an education by attending a great university. It allowed me to be a better person. Sports is education and it is a step in the right direction for a healthy and happy future. Let’s go back to the basics and through sports simply teach children to play, learn and live happily! “
Michael Saran – founder of the association
Our team
Michael Saran, founder of Sport2Life association
Mr. Saran is the founder of Odien Investment Fund. Before founding Odien Group in 2004, Mr. Saran worked in private equity firms in London, Boston and Prague. Mr. Saran is also the founder of the Sport2Life Foundation, established to support the education, development and improvement of children’s health through sports activities and education. He graduated from Stanford University with a degree in economics and international relations and holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.
Duje Božiković, chairman of the board of directors
Božiković joined Le Meridien Lav Hotel, owned by Odien Group, in April 2017. Prior to that, he worked in Boston, USA as General Manager of two newly opened Marriott hotels, which he managed from construction to business development and operations. He holds a BA from Lindenwood University in Saint Louis, which he attended on a sports scholarship. Duje is also the lead of the Sport2Life project in Croatia, aimed at supporting the education, development and health of children through participation in sports activities.
Tea Gutović, Sport2Life Croatia
Tea joined the Sport2life team in September 2020. She is a PhD candidate in sociology, a master’s degree in sociology and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology. In her academic and scientific career so far, she has conducted several studies on topics related to sports and the importance of education while playing sports. She has played volleyball for more than 10 years and, as the captain of her team, competed in the highest level of volleyball competition in Croatia. Before officially joining the team, Tea participated as a volunteer in the implementation of most of the foundation’s programs in Croatia, participated in the organization of the Lav Cup 2018 and 2019, in the organization of the Healthy School Holiday project, as well as the Schools of Sports and Healthy Life.
Darko Žaja, Sport2Life Croatia
He joined the Sport2Life team in 2018 as a leader and trainer at the School of Sports and Healthy Living and participates in and helps organize all the foundation’s programs. Darko joined Le Méridien Lav Hotel in March 2007 as a sports and recreation supervisor. After completing his studies in kinesiology, where he gained his first professional work experience with students as a demonstrator in swimming and basketball courses, he worked in a football, tennis and swimming school, as a fitness instructor, and as a leader of sports programs and corrective gymnastics for children. Darko is a true sports enthusiast and sports promoter, and has been involved in swimming, water polo and basketball.