Grand Opening of Renovated Sports Facilities at the UNSA Faculty of Sports and Physical Education

An investment worth nearly 6.2 million BAM – serving sports, education, and inspiration for future generations

On 9  May 2025, Europe Day — a symbol of unity, peace, and solidarity among nations — the renovated sports facilities at the Faculty of Sports and Physical Education of the University of Sarajevo were officially opened. On this date, which celebrates the vision of European integration, the results of successful cooperation between the European Union, the Government of the Canton of Sarajevo, and the University of Sarajevo were jointly presented, aiming to enhance education, sports, and youth health.

Almost 6.2 million BAM were invested in this infrastructural project:

The European Union invested 1,000,000 BAM in the renovation of the large and small sports halls, the Institute for Sports, and a modernly equipped fitness center;
The Government of the Canton of Sarajevo allocated 4,700,000 BAM for the reconstruction of the indoor swimming pool;
The University of Sarajevo secured an additional 410,000 BAM for the renovation of the boiler room.
The ceremony was attended by the Vice-Rectors of the University of Sarajevo, deans of the university’s faculties, the Prime Minister of the Canton of Sarajevo Nihad Uk, the Chairman of the Assembly of the Canton of Sarajevo Elvedin Okerić, the Mayor of Centar Municipality Srđan Mandić, and a delegation from the City of Sarajevo, including Deputy Mayor Mirza Selimbegović and President of the City Council Jasmin Ademović.

In media statements, made by EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina Luigi Soreca, Prime Minister Nihad Uk, and Dean Prof. Dr. Ifet Mahmutović, it was emphasized that this project is implemented in the spirit of European values — not only as infrastructural modernization but as a strategic investment in education, health, and the European future of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

After the speeches, an EU flag was unveiled, symbolizing a joint investment in the future, by Ambassador Luigi Soreca and the Chairman of the Sarajevo Canton Assembly, Elvedin Okerić. This was followed by a tour of the renovated facilities and a documentary screening about the reconstruction phases.

A particularly emotional moment took place at the indoor swimming pool, where Ambassador Soreca was presented with a symbolic gift — a golden volleyball signed by the members of the sitting volleyball team of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the most successful team in the country’s history, with 28 medals from major international competitions. Along with the ball, he was also given an artwork depicting sitting volleyball players, symbolizing sportsmanship and cultural universality. The gifts were presented by Mr. Sabahudin Delalić, President of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Paralympic Committee and team captain.

The ceremonial event was further dignified by 14-year-old para-swimmer Ismail Barlov, who at just 13 years old brought home a silver medal from the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games. He is known as the “butterfly without wings,” but his courage and determination send a message far stronger than any result. For his achievement, Ismail was also awarded the April 6th Award of the City of Sarajevo.

The ribbon-cutting, symbolizing the opening, was performed jointly by: H.E. Luigi Soreca, Prime Minister Nihad Uk, and Ismail Barlov, amidst applause from the audience.

Finally, young members of the University Swimming Club “Bosna” performed a demonstration in the renovated pool, marking its official operational start in service of health, sports, and community.

The opening of the renovated sports facilities on Europe Day further symbolizes the firm commitment of domestic and European institutions to building a better society together. These facilities represent a space where new knowledge, sporting excellence, human values, and dreams that transcend borders are born.