The European Week of Sport in Serbia has officially launched in Novi Sad, encouraging people of all ages to make exercise and physical activity part of their everyday lives.
This year’s initiative is being held under the slogan #BeActive. Serbian Sports Minister Zoran Gajić said the main objective is to make sports accessible to everyone and inspire more citizens—especially children and young people—to become physically active.
Speaking at a news conference at the city’s Old Steelworks venue, Gajić said the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic Committee of Serbia have worked together for years to bring sports closer to communities across the country.
He emphasized that the campaign is moving beyond stadiums and sports halls to reach schools, families, public spaces and local communities. The goal, he said, is not for people to exercise for only one day, but to turn physical activity into a lasting habit.
European Week of Sport in Serbia Runs Through September
Olympic Committee of Serbia President Dejan Tomašević said the European Week of Sport is being celebrated for the 11th time across Europe and the ninth time in Serbia.
This year’s launch carries additional significance because Novi Sad holds the title of European City of Sport 2026.
The central period of the campaign runs from September 23 through September 30, although activities in Serbia will continue throughout most of the month.
The program includes sporting challenges, school and urban sports events, training sessions, workshops, public forums, bicycle races and educational panels organized across the country.
Novi Sad Promotes Sports for Every Generation
Novi Sad City Council member for sports and youth Tatjana Medved said sports and physical activity should be part of everyone’s life.
She noted that participation in sports helps children grow up healthier while developing self-confidence, discipline and perseverance.
According to Medved, the European City of Sport title also gives Novi Sad a responsibility to make sports more accessible to every generation. The city will continue supporting schools, clubs and sports organizations, while promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities and creating opportunities for every child to participate in sports.
As part of the program, Gajić and Tomašević visited the “Olympism Without Borders—Serbia and Spain” exhibition before traveling to the SPENS sports complex.
They were joined by Novi Sad Mayor Žarko Mićin and visited the city’s youngest 3×3 basketball team, presenting its members with sports equipment.
The delegation later visited Petefi Šandor Elementary School, where students also received donated sports equipment.
The events were attended by senior government and sports officials, including Sports Ministry State Secretary Ognjen Cvjetićanin, Provincial Secretary for Sports and Youth Dane Basta, Vojvodina Basketball Club President Željko Rebrača and Serbia women’s national water polo team coach Slađana Drezgić.
