1,950,000 dinars Raised at UNICEF's Charity Basketball Tournament

Belgrade, 24 October 2026 – Companies came together through sport to support children's mental health at the 16th UNICEF Fair Play Charity Basketball Tournament, held at the Comtrade Sports Arena in Belgrade. The event raised 1,950,000 dinars to help improve mental health services for children and young people in Serbia. Under the slogan “We Play Together. We Change Lives”, 17 teams came together on the court, showing how teamwork and a shared commitment can make a difference beyond the game.

The funds raised through participation fees and company donations will help strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services for children and young people across Serbia. The initiative brought together companies that competed in the tournament, as well as those that supported the cause through donations.

The tournament winners were NIS in first place, Comtrade in second place and A1 in third place. The Fair Play Award went to Atos IT Solutions.

This year's tournament focused on children's and young people's mental health, highlighting the importance of timely, accessible support. According to the 2025 Survey on the Status and Needs of Young People in the Republic of Serbia, conducted by the Ministry of Tourism and Youth, 40 per cent of young people aged 15 to 30 who had concerns about their mental health sought advice or help from someone. The findings underscore the need for continued investment in mental health services and support for children and young people.

“Children and young people face different challenges as they grow up. Support from family and friends can help them navigate these challenges, alongside professional support when needed. Every young person should be able to access mental health support, regardless of where they live. The funds raised at this year's tournament will help strengthen mental health services and community-based support networks for young people across Serbia. We are grateful to all the companies whose participation and donations have shown what we can achieve when we work together. By joining forces, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and young people and help them reach their full potential,” said Jelena Kovačević, UNICEF Serbia.

Comtrade, the tournament's partner, hosted the event at its professional basketball court, while VODAVODA, the tournament sponsor, provided water for players and other participants.

“We are delighted that Comtrade Group is once again supporting the tournament as a partner. Today, we have seen the values that sport represents – teamwork, respect and fair play – brought to life. As a member of UNICEF's Business Advisory Board, I believe the business community has an important role to play in creating better opportunities for every child. Our support has the greatest impact when it is sustained, consistent and responds to the real needs of children and young people. It is especially rewarding to see how sport brings people together around a shared purpose, turning that collective energy into meaningful support and new opportunities for the next generation,” said Anja Aleksić of Comtrade Group and member of UNICEF Serbia's Business Advisory Board.

Teams from Atlantic Grupa, Serbian National Internet Domain Registry (RNIDS), Yettel, Karanović & Partners, Banca Intesa, Primus Lumennis, DOT Networks, NIS, NEO Aerodromes Engineering, Atos IT Solutions and Services, Advandis, Imlek, A1 Srbija, Comtrade, Nelt competed in the tournament, alongside UNICEF team. 

The tournament also received donations from MD Solutions, Nemis, Nordeus, Montprojekt and Gajić Tehnika, which supported the fundraising effort without competing. Their contributions highlight the important role businesses can play in supporting initiatives that improve the well-being of children and young people.

First held in 2007, the UNICEF Fair Play Basketball Tournament has brought together more than 400 corporate teams over nearly two decades. With the support of the business community, the initiative has raised more than USD 300,000 to help improve the lives of children in Serbia.

*UNICEF does not endorse any brand, company, product or service.