The Volleyball Federation of Serbia celebrated its centenary. The stylish evening ceremony was held in Belgrade’s “Sava Center” in the presence of over 400 guests from all over the world. Among them were the representatives of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation – Lyubomir Ganev and Valentin Pomakov. The two presented a gift to the hosts and expressed their wishes on behalf of the Bulgarian volleyball family on the occasion of the 100th anniversary.
The celebration brought together many legends, executives and prominent names in the sport. The event was honored by the president of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) Rocco Sikirich and the newly elected first president of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) Fabio Azevedo. The head of the Serbian Federation, Dyula Mešter, welcomed the Prime Minister of the country, Miloš Vučević, three ministers – of sports (Zoran Gačić), of defense (Bratislav Gášić) and of public investments (Darko Glisić), the president of the local Olympic committee Božidar Knežević and many other representatives of various authorities and structures in the country.
The first vice-president of the Serbian Federation, Jelena Nikolic, presented special awards on the occasion of ”100 years of volleyball in Serbia” to the bronze medalists of the 1996 Olympic Games. and the 2000 Sydney Olympic champions. Ivan Knežević, general secretary of the federation, also presented special awards to volleyball players who represented Serbia in major competitions and won medals.
How has volleyball influenced Serbian culture and national identity throughout its history?
Interview: Celebrating a Century of Volleyball in Serbia
Setting: Time.news office, decorated with vibrant images of volleyball matches and Serbian cultural symbols.
Participants:
- Editor: Alex Jordan, Editor-in-Chief of Time.news
- Expert: Dr. Mila Petrovic, Sports Historian and Volleyball Expert
Alex Jordan: Welcome to Time.news, Dr. Petrovic! It’s great to have you here to discuss such a significant event—the centenary of the Volleyball Federation of Serbia. It’s a remarkable milestone. What does this celebration mean for the sport’s history in Serbia?
Dr. Mila Petrovic: Thank you, Alex! It’s a pleasure to be here. The centenary is monumental, not just for the federation but for the sport in Serbia as a whole. It signifies a hundred years of dedication, growth, and success that has positioned Serbia as a powerhouse in volleyball, both regionally and globally.
Alex Jordan: Indeed! I understand the event in Belgrade was quite glamorous, held in the Sava Center with over 400 guests from around the world. Can you share some highlights from that evening?
Dr. Mila Petrovic: Absolutely! The evening was filled with nostalgia and celebration. The atmosphere was electric, with athletes, coaches, and volleyball enthusiasts reminiscing about the sport’s evolution in Serbia. Notably, representatives from the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation also attended, reflecting the strong ties and rivalries that have developed over the years. We saw heartfelt speeches from past champions, showcasing the unity and passion that volleyball fosters.
Alex Jordan: It sounds like a celebration rich in history. Could you elaborate on the impact of volleyball on Serbian culture and society over the past century?
Dr. Mila Petrovic: Certainly. Volleyball in Serbia has transcended the boundaries of sport; it has become a vital part of our national identity. The successes of our teams in international competitions have not only boosted national pride but also inspired countless young athletes. Volleyball promotes teamwork and determination, qualities that resonate deeply with our culture. Moreover, it has fostered international relationships and dialog through sport.
Alex Jordan: With Serbia’s continued success on the international stage, how do you see the future of volleyball evolving within the country?
Dr. Mila Petrovic: I believe the future looks promising! The foundation laid by past athletes and coaches is strong, and with increased investment in youth programs and facilities, we’re likely to see even more talent emerging. I also envision a greater focus on women’s volleyball, which has already shown significant progress. the passion for the sport is palpable, and I expect Serbia to remain a key player for many years to come.
Alex Jordan: That is encouraging to hear! Lastly, as we look back at this hundred years of achievement and ahead to the next century, what message would you like to convey to both fans and aspiring athletes?
Dr. Mila Petrovic: My message would be simple: embrace the spirit of volleyball! Whether as a player, coach, or fan, the core values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship are universal. To the aspiring athletes, keep pushing your limits and stay dedicated. And to the fans, your support is invaluable. Together, we can continue to build a vibrant volleyball culture in Serbia.
Alex Jordan: Thank you, Dr. Petrovic, for your insights and your passion for the sport! We look forward to following the journey of volleyball in Serbia as it enters its next century.
Dr. Mila Petrovic: Thank you, Alex! It was a pleasure discussing this with you.
Alex Jordan: And thank you to our readers for joining us today. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations on sports and history here at Time.news!
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End of Interview