By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
Serbia is mourning the shocking death of eight children and a security guard in an armed attack by a fourteen-year-old student at the “Vladislav Ribnikar” Elementary School in the center of Belgrade.
Six students and one teacher were injured, and the attacker was arrested. Still, while the country has declared a national mourning, Game 4 between Partizan and Real Madrid will be played in a few hours.
Eurohoops reached EuroLeague president Dejan Bodiroga in order to clarify the whole situation and the decision for the game to be played.
As the EuroLeague president, how do you cope with the national mourning of Serbia and the upcoming game of Partizan against Real Madrid?
“This national tragedy brought incredible sorrow to the Serbian nation.
Unfortunately in the current situation in Serbia, national mourning has covered everything else. However, the government of the Republic of Serbia decided that the game could be played. Partizan also wanted to play the game and Euroleague couldn’t decide differently without a request to postpone the game.
I am deeply saddened and want to give my condolences to the families affected for me it’s even difficult to think about basketball right now”.
A minute of silence and no music
This is not going, however, to be a regular EuroLeague game. it’s already decided that apart from a minute of silence, there will be no music in the Belgrade Arena.
Sports have always been or should be a beacon of hope and a way to project the best about ourselves. Unfortunately in the current situation in Serbia, national mourning has covered everything else.
Our wish as Eurohoops is that this game can take the mind of Serbian people away from this terrible tragedy at least for two hours.