Red Night held under the Old Bridge: When love for Velež unites the Rođeni worldwide

(Patria) - On the plateau beneath the Old Bridge, in the heart of Mostar, a spectacular ''Red Night under the Old Bridge – Evening of the Rođeni'', a ceremonial donor evening organised by the Football Club Velež and supported by the Mostarsko ljeto event, was held on Wednesday evening.

In an unforgettable atmosphere filled with emotion, symbols, music and pride, the evening gathered several hundred guests, from Club legends, current team members, fans and friends of Velež from around the world, to figures from political, social and cultural life.

Velež is more than a club, and the Old Bridge is more than a bridge

The evening began with the performance of the anthem, followed by a minute of silence for the late Velež legend Mehmed Glavović - Rom, and continued with addresses from Club representatives and legends of the Rođeni. The unique ambience beneath the Old Bridge, whose anniversary of the opening of the restored bridge is celebrated on the same day, further enhanced the symbolism and message

of the Red Night, that Velež is more than a club, just as the Old Bridge is more than a bridge.

The President of the Management Board of FK Velež said he was honoured that the Red Night was held at the unique location beneath the Old Bridge.

''It is an exceptional honour for me that we are here tonight in a beautiful ambience, at an emotional location beneath the Old Bridge, which, along with Velež, is a symbol of Mostar, but also of the whole of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and a symbol of togetherness. What I have learned through these ten months in the position of President of Velež, and what is crucial, is that the community is very important, and that we all work together so that our Velež looks better and better year after year'', Rahimić said.

Creating a better Velež

Meho Kodro, associate member of the Management of FK Velež, particularly expressed satisfaction that the Management Board of Velež recognised the importance of the future goal, which is creating a better Velež.

''I am here to help, to be just one of the cogs, because there are many quality people here who can contribute to this project. We are aware that the process is not easy, that it will require a lot of time, effort, sacrifice, patience and above all, but I am an optimist. In the Club, I found people who are true enthusiasts, ready to turn the Club in a much better and more positive direction'', said Velež legend Meho Kodro beneath the Old Bridge.

Velež's new sports director, Ibro Rahimić, emphasised that the people in the sports segment know what the Club needs to work on, and that he is sure they will make the path that needs to be followed with clear goals.

''Velež and the Old Bridge, that is Mostar, that is us''

''Velež is a culture and tradition that I keep in my heart, and together with the legends we want to make our Velež much stronger'', added Ibro Rahimić.

A special tone to the evening was given by writer and professor Elvedin Nezirović, who in an inspired speech reminded of the deep connection between the Club and the Old Bridge, through history, ideas and the spirit of the city.

''Velež and the Old Bridge, that is Mostar, that is us'', Nezirović said, emphasising the importance of belonging, heritage and the enduring struggle for what we believe in.

Light and sound performance and Hari Mata Hari under the Old Bridge

The Red Night was further enriched by the children of the FK Velež Youth School, the choir Bjelopoljske kapljice, brother and sister Tarik and Hana Pehilj who performed the anthem of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the most ardent fans, the Red Army.

The musical part of the programme was marked by performances by Mostar musician Anel Čorda with his band and the legendary group Hari Mata Hari, who, with a light and sound performance on the bridge, wrote new emotions in the chronicle of the city and the Club.

The Red Night once again showed that Velež is a club that transcends sports frameworks, a symbol that gathers, moves and inspires. And with the message ''The same love connects us all'', the Club thanks everyone who, with their presence, support and faith, made this night special.