Novi Sad
As matches of the FIVB World League are to be played there through this weekend, players of the Serbian and Cuban national teams visited the school for impaired children “Milan Petrovic” whose choir caused great emotions also among representatives of the Russian delegation and to the FIVB Supervisor of that round of play, Stefanos Vassiliadis of Greece.
Together with Mr. Miodrag Blizanac, their conductor, the children of the choir “Ison” started their mini concert with the songs performed in Russian, Italian and English language. The guests received a round of applause for their gifts, musical instruments, and for the tickets for the matches of the World League that the children will attend this weekend. The guests were addressed by Mrs. Andrea Livaja, president of the choir “Ison”, Mrs. Slavica Marković, principal of the school, and Mr. Miodrag Blizanac, the choir’s conductor.
Mrs. Andrea Livaja, President of the choir “Ison”, said: “The name of the choir “Ison” is a church related term that designates the first and basic musical tone of the songs performed by a group of singers. Metaphorically speaking, the term “Ison” represents the impaired children who are the “tone” of the society, and only with this basic tone it is possible to reach harmony. We were founded in 2004, we have 98 members of the choir, and our purpose is mainly for the school activities. Nevertheless, we took part in many projects, festivals, and humanitarian actions, and we are carefully followed by the public. For two years in a row now we are hosting a big festival called “Heart and Harmony”, and I am very honored to be part of this wonderful society”.
Mrs. Slavica Marković, principal of the school for impaired children “Milan Petrović”, added: “Your arrival here means a lot to our children, especially for their spiritual well-being. We are trying to work on their self-confidence, we are trying to make them equal to others, and ultimately introduce them into society. All these things mean much more than financial aid, which comes and goes. But this kind of social event, where the children meet famous sportsmen, can really boost their moral. Thank you very much for choosing us today, for being here and for helping us and our children”.
Mr. Stefanos Vassiliadis, FIVB Supervisor: “I believe that we bring more happiness to these children with this kind of meetings than anything else. I have to congratulate the Volleyball Federation of Serbia for organizing this event, with these young boys and girls, because this connection with impaired children gave us a great pleasure. Thank you very much”.
Mr. Laslo Lukač, team manager of Serbia’s national team: “It is a great pleasure and honor for the Serbian players and members of the staff to be here with these children. We sympathize with them, and in the future we will definitely use every opportunity to come and help them as much as we can. But first, they will come to us and see the matches in Novi Sad, and I think it will be a great experience for them”.
Mr. Vasa Mijić, director of the World League tournament in Novi Sad and former Volleyball player, gold medalist from 2000 Sydney Olympic Games: “I know these children very well, because as you already know I am from Novi Sad and I am engaged in VC “Vojvodina”. We visit them very often, they come to our matches and we are already good friends. So, in a way, I am both the host and the guest here today. I am sure that this is an unbelievable experience for them that they will cherish for the rest of their lives”.
