On 1 April 2026, students and teachers from the Pharmacy and Physiotherapy School in Belgrade and the Center for Blind and Visually Impaired Children and Youth in Sarajevo came together at the Olimp Sports Center in Belgrade for an inclusive sports activity titled “Games Without Borders,” organized within the Superschools program.
This activity aimed to promote inclusion, cooperation, and mutual understanding among young people from the region through sport and shared experiences. Since the beginning of the program, 97 secondary schools and more than 1,200 students from Serbia have participated in Superschools exchanges, highlighting its strong impact and reach.
“Games Without Borders” is designed as an inclusive sports program that encourages teamwork, trust, and active participation of young people with different abilities. Through a series of adapted and interactive games such as bocce, coordination polygons, and team-based challenges, participants developed psychophysical skills while strengthening mutual support and understanding, with a particular focus on the inclusion of blind and visually impaired youth.
The event gathered representatives of relevant institutions, who emphasized the importance of such initiatives in fostering a more inclusive and connected region.
Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Serbia, highlighted the broader value of the program:
“Today’s event is not only about sports activities, but about the friendships and connections you are building. When you step onto the field with someone you once thought was different, you realize you are part of the same team – friends, allies, and future leaders of positive change.”
Speaking on behalf of Germany, Ambassador Anke Konrad underlined that “Games Without Borders” reflects values that go beyond sport:
“These activities embody team spirit, fairness, and respect. Through the Superschools program, young people from across the region have the opportunity to meet, overcome prejudices, and actively build a shared future.”
Ivana Antonijević, Assistant Minister of Tourism and Youth, stressed that inclusion and equal opportunities remain key priorities:
“‘Games Without Borders’ sends a strong message that differences should not divide us but connect and empower us. Supporting young people, especially through inclusive initiatives, remains one of our key priorities.”
Snežana Vuković, Assistant Minister of Education, emphasized the role of inclusive education:
“Inclusive education is the foundation of a modern and fair society. Activities like these show how, through play and joint participation, young people develop understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect.”
Marija Bulat, Head of RYCO Local Branch Office in Serbia, highlighted the program’s inclusiveness:
“Superschools are open to all young people, regardless of their background, academic performance, or social status. Through exchanges, students build trust, understanding, and friendships that go beyond borders, contributing to lasting peace in the region.”
The participants themselves shared their impressions, emphasizing the personal impact of the exchange.
“This experience broadened my perspectives and brought friendships for life. We learned how important equality, empathy, and mutual respect are,” said Jana Živanović, a student from Belgrade.
Dani Husić, a student from Sarajevo, added: “These exchanges are very important because they help us meet new people, gain experience, and become more open. This is something that will benefit me both in my education and in life.”
Following the opening remarks, participants engaged in sports activities together, while guests also had the opportunity to join certain segments, further contributing to the atmosphere of inclusion and togetherness. The event concluded with a symbolic award ceremony, where students received medals and trophies as recognition of their teamwork and shared success.
About the Superschools program
Superschools is a RYCO 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). 