Special Olympics SERBIA Holds Fourth National Games

The Fourth Special Olympics Serbia National Games were held from 27-30 May 2009  in Kragujevac. Three hundred athletes and coaches participated in five sports:  football (male and female), basketball (male and female), athletics, table tennis and bocce.  Guest teams from Hungary and Spain also took part.

Forty-five local secondary school students, aged 15-18, worked hard as volunteers throughout the Games.

The Games were organized with the full support of local government. Throughout  the month of May when the centuries-old city celebrates its founding, the Games were promoted and considered a highlight of the city’s festivities.  Promotion included an impressive billboard campaign to announce the Games. The city provided the biggest and best venues they have to offer.   Kragujevac Mayor Veroljub Stefanovic had the honor of opening the Games on 28 May.  The Ministry of Youth and Sports, Laste Company (transport) and Coca-Cola also supported the Games.

“The support from the city of Kragujevac has been great and is an example of how a community can positively engage with Special Olympics,” said Aleksandar Stanojevic, National Director, Special Olympics Serbia.

Local sports heros,  Milos Srejovic European gold medallist, long jump, and former football players Slobodan Djuric, former national team basketball and Predrag Spasic attended Opening Ceremonies and stayed throughout the Games to cheer on Special Olympics athletes.

Media coverage was excellent with the Games being reported in national and local outlets.

 

Photo: Special Olympics Serbia National Games Opening Ceremonies.  Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Serbia