OSCE Mission in BiH supported a sitting volleyball tournament in Maglaj

(Patria) - The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) supported the Municipality of Maglaj in organizing a sitting volleyball tournament held today, September 19, 2020, in Maglaj.

The goal of the tournament, which brought together sitting volleyball teams from Doboj, Derventa, and Maglaj, was to strengthen cooperation among teams and promote tolerance and mutual respect. Most of the athletes who competed were war veterans and war disabled veterans.

Will Richard, Head of the Field Office in Travnik, praised the competing teams and the Municipality of Maglaj for implementing measures that ensured the protection and safety of all participants.

“I am pleased that these athletes competed in the sitting volleyball tournament in Maglaj. This is a very symbolic event when you have former soldiers from opposing sides now competing in a friendly sporting event. I commend their efforts. Sport can be a powerful tool in promoting tolerance and mutual respect. The tournament is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the needs of persons with disabilities. The global pandemic is a challenge for all of us, but it is particularly difficult for the most vulnerable categories of society.”