2009 SU Update: Football Fair Play – Introduction to Universiade

Members of the Serbian Men’s & Women’s National Football Team pose at the Fair Play Event

The Women’s and Men’s national football teams of Serbia, that are to take part in the 25th Summer Universiade, were presented to the public at the Fair Play revue performance organized by UNICEF.

Apart from young football players/students, at RC “Vukovi” in Ada Ciganlija the Universaide and UNICEF volunteers and many celebrities were present as well. Among them were the captain of the national A football team Dejan Stankovic, and famous Serbian football player Savo Milosevic.

‘I am happy to take part in an event that promotes not only fair play as the highest principle in sport, but our young football players, as well. Just as we find the support of spectators to be an important element of our play, so do our young colleagues from the university team. I am sure that people will come in great numbers to root for the Serbian national team at the Universiade’, said Dejan Stankovic, who opened the tournament with the kick-off.

This football match was the first of the three football revue performances, organized by the Universiade Belgrade 2009 and UNICEF. The objective of these revues is for the public to get acquainted with the Serbian national team members, who are to play at the Universiade and to promote authentic sports values that both the Universiade and UNICEF stand for.

‘Next November is the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Rights of Children Convention. One of the basic rights of children is the right to sport, play and recreation. Sport and participation of youngsters in sports activities is important for their normal development, and thus, for development of society in general. It is our responsibility to make it possible for children to play sports. We have to set an example and to teach them to play and root, respecting their opponent and rules of fair play’, Dejan Stankovic stated.

The series of revue promotional events began with football, the most popular sport worldwide.

‘The Universiade is the world’s second largest multi-sports competition and a chance for Serbia, as the host country, to present itself to the world. We are a sports nation and I am certain that we will attract a great number of spectators. They will come to root for the young talented players and enjoy great football’, Savo Milosevic said.

Prljavi inspector Blaza, well known entertainer and Universiade volunteer was reporting live from the stadium. Football players were divided into two teams: Fair and Play, emphasizing thereby the importance of showing respect for the opponent while rooting for one’s own team.

A well-known Serbian actor Ivan Zaric joined the fair play and the Universiade promotion campaign.
‘I was fascinated by the fact that the Universiade will bring together more than 16,000 young volunteers. It is a qualitative advancement of great importance for our country. Volunteers are an important pledge and legacy for future generations’ Ivan Zaric said.