1,760,000 Dinars Raised to Support Children with Disabilities at UNICEF's Humanitarian Fair Play Tournament

Belgrade, 2 September 2024 – UNICEF's traditional Fair Play basketball tournament was held over the weekend at the Comtrade Sports and Event Center in Belgrade. The tournament featured 20 teams from the business sector, who collectively raised 1,760,000 dinars through their participation fees. This year, the funds are designated for the purchase of assistive technology, which will help students with disabilities learn and progress alongside their peers. Comtrade hosted the tournament and supported the organization of this sporting event, while VODA VODA provided refreshments for the participants.

The Comtrade System Integration team won first place, with IMLEK taking second place. Teams from companies such as AD Imlek, Lotus Flare, Nordeus, Yettel, Banca Intesa, SBB, Inpira, NELT, NIS, L’Oreal, the Foundation of the National Internet Domain Registry of Serbia (RNIDS), Bosch, Brose d.o.o. Pančevo, Tesla, and Comtrade System Integration demonstrated teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship.

"This tournament not only connects us through sports and fair play, but it also reminds us of the power of collective action in creating equal opportunities for every child in Serbia. The support of the business sector is important for the equitable inclusion of children with disabilities in the educational process and for fulfilling their dreams. Together, we are building a society where every child is an important part of the community and has the opportunity to reach his or her full potential," said Deyana Kostadinova, UNICEF Representative in Serbia.

The tournament participants were greeted by Aleksandar Djordjevic, UNICEF's National Ambassador in Serbia.

"I am grateful that today we are all playing for the same team. This is what matters most for our society, for children, and for youth. I am confident that the role of the business sector is of great importance for the changes we want to achieve so that every child in Serbia can have the opportunity to develop, learn, grow, and reach his or her potential," said Aleksandar Djordjevic.

UNICEF's Fair Play Tournament is a traditional sports event that brings together the business community in Serbia, which, through its participation, supports programmes for children and youth implemented by UNICEF in Serbia.

"We are very pleased that Comtrade is hosting the UNICEF humanitarian basketball tournament for the third year in a row. Sports provide us with the opportunity to support the programmes that UNICEF implements in Serbia through sports and fair play, and to raise awareness in the corporate world about the importance of community engagement beyond our business operations. Following the signing of the partnership agreement between Comtrade Distribution and UNICEF, aimed at improving the digital skills of young people and reducing the digital divide among vulnerable groups, we are glad to make another contribution and help procure assistive technology for the inclusive education of children with disabilities. Reducing inequality and ensuring the right to quality education for all youth in Serbia are goals that we, as a company, strive for and will continue to support," said Nebojsa Lozo, General Manager of Comtrade Distribution.

UNICEF's Fair Play Tournament remains a key event on the business community's calendar, reminding everyone of the importance of supporting children and youth.