Spectacular opening of the new season of the Plazma Youth Sports Games in Belgrade

The flame of friendship, together with children and dignitaries, was lit by the celebrated volleyball players Maja Ognjenović and Tijana Bošković

Undeterred by the rain, the children’s joy, cheering, and radiant smiles illuminated the ceremonial opening of the 11th season of the Plasma Youth Sports Games, a testament to their unwavering spirit and love for sports.
A full Republic Square in Belgrade was festive, and children were ready for competition and new victories.
The grand opening ceremony of the most massive amateur event for young people in Europe was graced by many dignitaries from the world of sports, education, economy, culture, politics, and public life. Their presence, including that of Zoran Gajić, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Serbia; Zdravko Marić, President of Plazma Youth Sports Games; Aleksandar Šapić, President of the Provisional Authority of the City of Belgrade, and Nikola Nikodijević, Member of the Provisional Authority of the City of Belgrade, added significant prestige to the event.
The President of the Republic of Serbia, the Government of the Republic of Serbia, and the City of Belgrade are the high patrons of the Youth Sports Games in Serbia.
“For the past 28 years, together with the team in Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and starting this year in Slovenia, we have made children interested in sports activities. What’s good about ‘Plazma Youth Sports Games’ is that everything is free. Over 180 competitions will be organized this season in Serbia, in which about 120,000 children will participate, an imposing number”, said Zdravko Marić, President of Plazma Youth Sports Games.
The Minister of Sports, Zoran Gajić, greeted all those present, teachers, coaches, and children, and welcomed them to the sports event, telling them to enjoy Belgrade – a city with an open heart.
Youth Sports Games have recently been held in four countries of the region, and Belgrade once again shows that it is a city with a wide embrace and an open heart. The event confirms that people from these areas can cooperate, socialize, grow, and compete, said the President of the Temporary Authority of the City of Belgrade, Aleksandar Šapić, at the official opening of the 11th season of the Youth Sports Games.
– I am thrilled that within the “Belgrade Family Days,” which last for two months for the first time, we have the opportunity to host such a beautiful event. The City of Belgrade will always be open to all people of goodwill, regardless of nationality and religion. I wish you to become great athletes and to carry the name of the country you come from in an excellent sporting spirit – said Šapić.
The event was also attended by a member of the Provisional Authority, Nikola Nikodijević, who expressed his satisfaction with the increasing number of young people attending Youth Sports Games every year.

“The City of Belgrade’s policy is clear-to support the youngest in playing sports and to make it available to every child, regardless of their background or financial status. The aim is to ensure that sports are not a privilege but a right for all children. The City provides free training sessions and appointments, scholarships to the best, and coaches” said Nikola Nikodijević, emphasizing the value and importance of every child’s participation.
He expressed the hope that this manifestation will be even more massive in the future and that, with the increased participation of other countries, it will acquire the character of the Children’s Olympic Games.
At the opening ceremony, volleyball player Maja Ognjenović was a special guest who delighted the children, received huge applause, and then emphasized the importance of such an event.
“From the beginning, our intentions were never too ambitious. We always emphasize discipline, healthy habits, and life. It’s a source of great pride and inspiration to see the number of children participating in the event grow year by year. This is a testament to the enduring nature of the event and our hope is that it will continue to grow and inspire more children in the future, just as it has done in the past.”
Novica Tončev, Minister without Portfolio in the Government of the Republic of Serbia, mayors and presidents of municipalities, and celebrated athletes Nemanja Vidić, Dejan Tomašević, and Slobodan Branković supported the Plazma Youth Sports Games with their presence.
In the fun part of the program, Monika Art and the Bistrik workshop took part, and the singer Željko Samardžić brightened up the Opening Ceremony of the 11th Season of Plazma Youth Sports Games with his mini-concert.