Camaraderie, Competition, And Fair Play: Dunav Scholarship Initiative  "Childhood Friend" Empowers Youth

Under the patronage of the socially conscious initiative, “Childhood Friend,” Dunav Insurance Company continued its tradition of hosting a special event for the young athletes who showcased their skills in this year’s Youth Sports Games. The venue for this meaningful gathering was none other than Dunav’s headquarters, where the future leaders engaged in enriching conversations and fostered lasting bonds.

Nikoleta Šubert, the Director of the Life Insurance Sales Directorate at Dunav, warmly welcomed the young guests.

“Dunav Insurance Company takes immense pride in upholding the cherished tradition of awarding scholarship insurance upon our dearest ones,” expressed Šubert. “This year, Slađana, Vidan, and Marko are our young ambassadors who have proven themselves both on and off the field. Their messages were selected as the most creative and inspiring within the Your Stepping Stone not Your Stumbling Stone Project. I hope they will relish their new title, and that the scholarship insurance will assist them in their further education and growth, serving as a small financial contribution from Dunav Insurance Company,” he added.

Aligned by a common mission and bound by friendship, Dunav Insurance and the Youth Sports Games (YSG) address the pressing issue of childhood stress stemming from various forms of bullying.

The 10th season of the Dunav Insurance Youth Sports Games witnessed the impactful Your Stepping Stone, not Your Stumbling Stone campaign, leaving a profound impact on children, parents, and teachers alike. Marija Mihajlović, the Director of Youth Sports Games for Serbia, affirmed, “The campaign’s success has fueled our commitment to continue its message”, declared Marija Mihajlović, Director of Youth Sports Games for Serbia.

“We’re already gearing up for the next season, and I urge children to join us in large numbers. Experience the joy of sports and discover Dunav Insurance Company as your true childhood friend.”

This special gathering also served as a platform to award scholarship insurance to the most outstanding athletes. These remarkable children not only showcased excellence in sports but also embodied the spirit of fair play.

Fifteen-year-old Vidan Jerotijević, hailing from Apatin and a proud member of the football team that competed in this year’s Youth Sports Games international finals, graciously shared his impressions at the gathering,

“First of all, I want to congratulate everyone on their incredible results and thank the amazing organizers of the Youth Sports Games. We had a blast! But a special thanks goes to Dunav Insurance for recognizing our hard work and dedication. Receiving the scholarship insurance feels like a true reward for everything we’ve accomplished,” he said.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Youth Sports Games stand tall as the paramount amateur sports event catering to children and youth across these regions, with a dedicated focus on fostering a healthy lifestyle and promoting camaraderie.

For the past decade, elementary and high school students from Serbia, 27 from Croatia, and 13 from Bosnia and Herzegovina have been afforded the invaluable opportunity of free participation in competitions spanning ten sports disciplines. From the exhilaration of futsal, beach volleyball, and streetball to the strategic challenges of chess, the Youth Sports Games offer a diverse array of athletic experiences.

With over 2.7 million participants over the years, this initiative has harnessed the power of camaraderie and sportsmanship to cultivate a way of life rooted in understanding, friendship, respect for diversity, solidarity, and fair play – a potent antidote to the negative influences prevalent in today’s society. Notably, in Serbia alone, this project has engaged over 500,000 kids, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.

Marko Milanović, a seasoned participant and medal winner hailing from Pančevo, elevated his achievements to new heights this year by securing victories in both chess and table tennis titles at the international finals in Split.

“I found it extremely interesting to compete in this year’s Youth Sports Games. I am grateful for the scholarship insurance, which will support my further education. My message to all young people competing is to keep going, keep competing, and the results will follow.”

Dunav Insurance’s dedication to youth development extends far beyond the realm of competition. They organized a captivating visit to the Museum of Illusions for the Youth Sports Games participants, ensuring that this experience will linger in everyone’s memories.

The immersive outing reflects Dunav’s holistic approach to nurturing the young minds involved in the Games, underscoring the company’s belief in the significance of not only athletic prowess but also in creating well-rounded individuals with diverse experiences.

As we bid adieu to 2023, let us raise a toast to sportsmanship, success, and the new and enriching experiences that not only define the Youth Sports Games but also forge lasting friendships. Until we meet next year on the field of camaraderie and competition, the spirit of Dunav’s support and encouragement will continue to echo in the hearts of these young athletes.