The Volleyball Federation of Serbia organized a ceremony at the Sava Center in Belgrade to celebrate the 100th anniversary of volleyball in Serbia, with around 400 guests from Serbia and abroad in attendance. The distinguished guests were addressed by Đula Mešter, President of the OSS, Zoran Gajić, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Serbia, and Miloš Vučević, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia.
“Remembering those who founded Volleyball in Serbia 100 years ago and those who later brought us immense happiness and pride, sometimes sleepless nights, but certainly winning medals for our homeland, we remember those who had faith that they would succeed, those who had love for sports and for our country,” said Miloš Vučević, Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia
“Our people, beside achievements in private business or playing for a club, remember most what is done while playing for the national team. In this way, the athletes are registered in the collective memory or the memory of the nation as a whole. This is the way we were looking at things in this part of the world throughout our history and up to the present day. Doing something for the community and for the nation is the greatest achievement, no matter how much globalisation tries to favour the individual as a general value, in Serbia, for centuries, history praised those who did something significant for the people and the state,” Vučević emphasised, stressing that the state will continue to help Volleyball in every way, including via the construction of the National Volleyball Centre.
“The group deeds, done by great people to the benefit of the country and its citizens, should serve two goals – the first is to promote and support personalities who are extraordinary and special, such as you are, the athletes who are crowned with glory, who are a role model and inspiration for young generations, and the second is that every job should serve, apart from personal success and the prosperity of the homeland and the nation, so that we will be remembered for it even when we physically cease to exist.”
Vučević emphasised that he would not mention any name in particular because he would surely forget someone from all those who deserve the glory, but he noted that all should invest in young generations and future champions. “The National Volleyball Centre, as well as all those who will work there, will be the base of all our future volleyball victories. Only together we can contribute to development, that’s why today we invest so much in sports, awarding medals, providing scholarships and sports infrastructure. And not only when it comes to top sports, every hour or day that some boy or girl spent on the volleyball courts for these 100 years is a success for the state and for all of us. We must not ignore those who do not achieve top results. They are also part of this story that lasts a century, from the first serve to the last spike. Let the story continue, let there be victory,” the Prime Minister added.
Djula Mešter, President of the Volleyball Federation of Serbia, Zoran Gajić, Minister of Sports in the Government of the Republic of Serbia and Fabio Azevedo, President of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) addressed the audience too.
“In the past 100 years, Volleyball has become a symbol of unity, team spirit, courage and perseverance in our country. Through ups and downs, through every victory and defeat, this sport has connected people regardless of differences and provided a chance for personal and team growth. Former generations, led by legends, built Serbia’s reputation in the world. These people are not only top athletes, but also ambassadors of our sport. They are responsible for Volleyball becoming a global phenomenon. Medals from the Olympic Games and numerous titles on the world and European stage motivate generations to continue the tradition of their predecessors,” said Mešter, who thanked the Government of the Republic of Serbia and President Aleksandar Vučić for their support, which will culminate in the construction of the National Volleyball Centre.
“From the first volleyball matches in our country to the modern successes of our national teams, this sport has left a permanent mark on the Serbian sports scene. We are proud of all the medals, titles and recognitions, and all of this is not a coincidence, but the result of daily work, discipline, and commitment. In the coming period, the Ministry of Sports will continue to invest in infrastructure and support of our future prospects. The country of Serbia is supporting Serbian sports and Volleyball, and the National Volleyball Centre is the crown of investments in Volleyball and the foundation for the next 100 years,” said Zoran Gajić, Minister of Sports in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, who coached Yugoslavia to Olympic gold in 2000.
“It is an honour and a pleasure to be here with you tonight. I thank you, because you are an inspiration to all generations and to all nations. You are truly iconic in this sport; you are the ones whose efforts have greatly shaped European and world Volleyball. I congratulate you on all the successes you have had so far. Celebrating 100 years of Serbian Volleyball, European Volleyball, we also pay tribute to those who are not with us tonight, and who contributed to the development of this sport with their successes. We still have to turn to the future, so I promise you that we will follow and support your projects, that we will work together and write a new chapter in the history of the sport,” the CEV President said.
“I am extremely happy that I am with you tonight, and that we are celebrating 100 years of existence of Volleyball. Serbia is the country of Volleyball and when we saw the legends of this sport, we realised once again what a motivation and inspiration you are. You always played as one team, and that is precisely our task for the future. I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart,” said FIVB President Fabio Azevedo.The event was attended by a number of distinguished guests, including former Serbian national team members who won medals in major international competitions, representatives of various sports federations, and officials from the OSS.
With a dynamic new leadership team at the helm, the FIVB is poised for a promising future as it continues to elevate Volleyball on the global stage.