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Our Team and Staff

Rubes Levada 

Rubes Levada (1978 – Italian & Croatian)

President of Finswimming Team Komet | Head Coach, Novi Jelkovec

πŸ† Athlete

Former Italian national finswimmer, winning:

  • πŸ₯ˆ World Championships (1998) – 4x200m relay
  • πŸ₯ˆ European Championships (1997, 1999)
  • πŸ₯‰ World Games (1997)

πŸ§‘β€πŸ« Coach (2001–Present)

Produced world-class athletes, including Filip Strikinac (World Champion, 2022) and Kristijan Tomić (World silver medalist, 2016). Key roles:

  • Record Team Bologna (2001–2006)
  • Geronimo, Zagreb (2007–2009)
  • Zagreb Diving Federation (2009–2022)
  • Komet & Novi Jelkovec (2022–Present)

Milestones:

  • Coached multiple European & World medalists
  • Achieved Master Coach certification (2012)
  • Led Croatia’s best-ever results at European Champs (2008)

🌍 Sport Leader & Project Manager

Founded finswimming federations in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania & Romania. Led 15+ Erasmus+ projects (Aurora, Mermaids for Inclusion). Manages EU-funded sport initiatives, coaching education & global development.


Mariam Nikoladze

Co-founder of Edu Bridge | Youth Worker | Clinical Psychologist

πŸ† Education & Leadership

  • Co-Founder of Edu Bridge, an NGO dedicated to youth exchange, European education, and innovative learning projects.
  • Active participant in European youth policy dialogues and international student conferences.
  • Passionate about building educational opportunities and fostering global connections.

πŸ§‘β€πŸ’Ό Professional Experience

  • Data Analyst, (2024) – Business insights, data visualization, and process optimization.
  • Innovation Training Coordinator (2022–2023) – Designed and led virtual training sessions for international teams.
  • Assistant Psychologist (2021) – Worked with children with special needs, focusing on inclusion and development.

🌍 Project & Youth Work

  • Erasmus+ & EU-Funded Projects – Partnered on multiple exchange programs, training courses, and educational initiatives.
  • International Experience – Participated in 8+ Erasmus+ training programs, focusing on youth work, disabilities, and inclusion.
  • EU4Youth Alumni & ESC Ambassador – Engaged in cultural exchange, mobility programs, and community projects.