On 7 May 2026, students and teachers from the Sixth Belgrade Gymnasium in Serbia and Gymnasium “Ali Demi” from Vlore, Albania gathered in Belgrade for a Sport for Development (S4D) event organized within the Superschools programme. The event brought together young people through interactive and sport-based activities aimed at promoting inclusion, cooperation, teamwork and intercultural dialogue. Through shared experiences and collaborative challenges, participants had the opportunity to connect, exchange perspectives and strengthen mutual understanding, while building friendships beyond borders.
The programme included an interactive S4D quiz, a panel discussion and an award ceremony, all designed around the idea of sport as a tool for positive social development, youth empowerment and regional cooperation. The event gathered representatives of institutions and international partners, including representatives of the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Serbia, Ministry of Tourism and Youth, GIZ and the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Serbia, who joined students and teachers in highlighting the importance of initiatives that encourage dialogue, inclusion and cooperation among young people in the Western Balkans.
A central segment of the event was the panel discussion titled “Sport as a Bridge: Youth, Inclusion and Cooperation in the Western Balkans.”
The panel brought together Marija Petronijević, Head of the Group for Bilateral and Multilateral Cooperation and European Integration at the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Serbia, Branka Avramović, Advisor within the GIZ Sport for Development Project, as well as student representatives Marija Filipović from Serbia and Martin Lagji from Albania. The discussion focused on the role of sport as a neutral and inclusive platform that encourages communication, teamwork and cooperation among young people, regardless of their backgrounds, languages or differences. Particular attention was given to the importance of creating safe and supportive spaces where young people can connect naturally through shared activities and common goals.
Panelists emphasized that Sport for Development activities contribute not only to promoting healthy lifestyles and active participation, but also to strengthening trust, empathy, solidarity and mutual respect among youth in the region. The discussion also highlighted the importance of teamwork and direct interaction in overcoming stereotypes and encouraging openness, understanding and stronger interpersonal connections.
Student participants shared their impressions of participating in joint activities with peers from another country, emphasizing that experiences such as these help young people communicate more openly, connect more easily and better understand one another through cooperation and shared challenges.
The panel was moderated by Davor Džakula, Local Program Officer at the RYCO Local Branch Office in Serbia, while the overall event was hosted by Vesna Jevtić, teacher coordinator from the Sixth Belgrade Gymnasium. Following the panel discussion, participants continued with the final segment of the programme — the award ceremony — where students received symbolic recognitions for their engagement, teamwork and active participation throughout the activities.
The event once again demonstrated the importance of youth exchanges and inclusive activities in creating opportunities for meaningful interaction, cooperation and friendship among young people across the Western Balkans.
About Superschools
“Superschools” is a program for school exchanges in the Western Balkans. Its objectives are to support peacebuilding, reconciliation, and intercultural learning and dialogue among schools, students, and their communities. The program is part of the multi-donor project “Western Balkans School Exchange Scheme,” co-financed by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) together with the Regional Youth Cooperation Office (RYCO).