Serbian School Federation Celebrates 50th Anniversary

It was 50 years ago, in 1970 when Serbian School Sport Federation (SSSF) was founded with the aim of promoting sport for youth in the country. Since then, the organization has come a long way undergoing changes and development.

The idea to establish a system of school competitions came to life back in Yugoslavia times, in 1970. In the first, pilot year, the Federation of Physical Culture Educator Associations and the Republic Education Community established sports competitions for elementary and high school students called Sports Games of School Youth of Serbia. From the very start of organizing these competitions at all levels, basic Olympic principles were taken into account: it is not winning but the taking part that counts, fair play, mutual respect and friendship. There was a clear intention to create conditions that would give young people opportunities to develop their creative potential in sports. The Serbian School Sport Federation has changed its name, grown and developed over the years, but one thing has remained unchanging: it has always been led by the people full of enthusiasm and commitment.

A new era for Serbian School Sport Federation began with the National Development Strategy 2008-2012 as the Federation started its active work from a new office in the Palace of Serbia in New Belgrade. Since Serbian School Federation joined ISF family, it has become a regular competition host on ISF events calendar. In 2018, Belgrade successfully hosted a third edition of ISF WSC Basketball 3X3 with students from 29 countries.

SSSF hosted an annual ISF General Assembly in Serbia’s capital of Belgrade last week, ISF Family came together to congratulate Serbian counterparts with a special birthday. Delegates enjoyed Serbina hospitality at the Gala Dinner organized by SSSF. They were also presented with a concept of the upcoming ISF World School Games U15 scheduled to take place in Belgrade in next year.

The federation celebrated its birthday with a special present: a colorful edition of a book 50 years of Serbian School Sport. During the Assembly ISF President Laurent Petrynka, Secretary General/CEO Hrvoje Custonja and SSSF President ZeljkoTanaskovic met with Serbia's Minister of Sport Vanja Udovicic. In addition, Serbia’s honorable guests have attended ISF General Assembly: the President of the Olympic Committee of Serbia Bozidar Maljkovic and Vice-President Zarko Zecevic.

ISF President Laurent Petrynka recorded a message wishing SSSF happy birthday in Belgrade.

The ISF congratulates SSSF with great achievements over the last 50 years and wishes all the best to its dedicated team.

Source: 50 years of Serbian School Sport Federation book