The OSCE Mission in Kosovo concluded today its fourth edition of the multiethnic tennis camp organized in co-operation with the municipality of Gračanica/Graçanicё, gathering youth from different communities for practice and games.
20 youth from Kosovo Albanian, Kosovo Serb and Kosovo Ashkali communities from the municipalities of Prishtinë/Priština, Obiliq/Obilić and Gračanica/Graçanicë participated in this edition and learned about tennis under the guidance of Coach Marija Djordjevic. During camp days, they practiced for pre-qualification games at the tennis courts in Gërmia/Grmija Park and learned necessary tennis skills, which they showed at the final match in Gračanica/Graçanicë.
After three final matches, the winners Marija Crvenković, Luka Filić and Viktor Radić were awarded with medals by the Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Michael Davenport, Mayor of Gračanica/Graçanicë, Liljana Šubarić and the Director of Culture, Youth and Sports, municipality of Gračanica/Graçanicё, Dušan Cvejić.
"The OSCE has long been committed to supporting institutions in fostering better inter-community relationships and dialogue. Sport is a great way to build bridges, enhance understanding and promote respect, while also challenging stereotypes," said Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo, Ambassador Michael Davenport.
Mayor of Gračanica/Graçanicë, Liljana Šubarić, thanked the OSCE for organizing this activity and for recognizing the municipality efforts.
"The municipality proved for the fourth year now that it stands for co-operation. We think that the best way to strengthen inter-municipality co-operation is through the youth".
The Director of the Youth Center in Obiliq/Obilić, Zelushe Kelmendi, participant of every edition, emphasized that this tournament enables young people to socialize and break down barriers between different communities.
This is the fourth consecutive year the OSCE Mission supports the tennis camp, building on previous years' successes. Besides providing an opportunity for a healthy and supportive learning environment for young players, the camp helps young players cross language barriers and interact with each other.
The OSCE Mission in Kosovo is mandated with human rights protection and promotion, democratization and public safety sector development. It places emphasis on empowering youth through inter-ethnic dialogue and activities, recognizing their potential for promoting lasting peace and security.
