Banja Luka will host the European Open Futsal Championship for students under 18 from May 10 to 16 next year, with the national team of Republika Srpska set to compete under its own flag and emblem.
The official agreement for hosting the event was signed today in Banja Luka by the Minister of Family, Youth and Sports of Republika Srpska, Selma Čabrić, and the President of the European School Sport Federation (ESSF), Željko Tanasković.
Čabrić highlighted that Republika Srpska’s participation under its own flag and symbols within both the European and World School Sport Federations represents a major success and recognition.
“We owe great gratitude to Mr. Tanasković for his continuous support,” said Čabrić.
She emphasized that securing the role of host for this major sports event is both an honor and a responsibility, recalling that Republika Srpska successfully hosted the European U18 School Volleyball Championship in Trebinje in 2023.
Tanasković expressed satisfaction that Republika Srpska is a full member of the European School Sport Federation, thanking the ministry for its consistent cooperation and support.
“Our joint goal is to include as many children as possible in different forms of physical activity. Through sports, children not only learn skills but also develop values that help them throughout life,” Tanasković stated.
He added that school sports build bridges between education, sport, and culture, offering young people the opportunity to form new friendships and expand their horizons.
Stelios Daskalakis, Secretary General of the European School Sport Federation, also thanked the Government of Republika Srpska, the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports, and Gorica Bilak Mocunja, President of the School Sport Federation of Republika Srpska, for their partnership and organizational support.
“I am convinced this will be an excellent futsal competition,” Daskalakis said, expressing his pleasure at visiting Republika Srpska and Banja Luka for the first time.
Mocunja stated that Republika Srpska has already demonstrated the capacity and professionalism needed to organize major international events.
“Two years ago, we hosted a phenomenal championship in Trebinje, which was rated the highest among all participating countries,” she said.
Source: RTRS
 "Bosniak narrative on Srebrenica and profit")
