Youth of the Western Balkans united through play and respect

Photos: iZi - Igrajmo Zajedno Inicijativa 

In the heart of Sarajevo, from July 4th to 6th, 2025, the 3x3 Streetball Camp took place — a regional sports event that brought together more than 80 young people aged 13 to 16 from Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. On the courts and beyond, an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and mutual respect was created, where sport became much more than just a game — it became a means of connection.

The camp is part of the broader initiative “Sport Together – Promoting Social Inclusion and Reconciliation through Sport in the Community”, supported by the European Union and the Erasmus+ program. Its goal was to promote inclusion, equality, and reconciliation among the youth of the Western Balkans.

The organization Atina, in cooperation with the Basketball Club Panteri from Vranje, participated in this event. The eight-member team representing Atina — four girls and four boys — took to the court with the same goal as everyone else: to play, learn, and build unity.

On the Court Without Divisions: The Power of Unity and Equality

Unlike typical sports competitions, this camp was non-competitive, emphasizing team spirit, solidarity, and equality. Mixed-gender teams provided an opportunity to discuss gender equality and the role of girls and boys in society, not as competitors, but as equal partners. On the court, everyone was equal, sending a strong message: only together can we build a society where everyone has their place.

In addition to sports activities, participants engaged in educational workshops and explored Sarajevo’s rich history and culture through organized walking tours. In informal gatherings, they shared stories, experiences, laughter, and dreams, laying the foundation for a new generation open to dialogue and understanding.

For Atina, this was another step in the mission to use sport as a tool to strengthen non-violence, mutual respect, and regional cooperation, especially in work with youth and local communities. Where young people train together, listen to one another, and learn from each other, hope is born for a more just and inclusive society.