The 2005 European Volleyball Championship was officially opened in Belgrade last night, and for the first time in the history of volleyball, the organisers are two countries, Serbia-Montenegro and Italy.
Author:
Fonet
After the opening programme at the Belgrade Arena sports centre, in which 360 dancers took part, the audience and the participants of the Championship were greeted by President of the Italian Volleyball Federation Carlo Magri and President of the European Championship Organising Committee in Belgrade Aleksandar Vlahovic, and the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) Vice-President Jan Hronek officially opened the championship.
Carlo Magri said he was immensely pleased to be in Belgrade and thanked Serbia-Montenegro for its friendship and cooperation.
Vlahovic recalled that a European volleyball championship is being held in Belgrade for the first time in 30 years, adding that it is a great honour for the country, and a great tribute for the Serbia-Montenegrin Volleyball Federation.
The CEV Vice-President, Jan Hronek, greeted the audience in Serbian: “I wish you all a wonderful and spectacular sports event. Thank you Italy and Rome, thank you Serbia-Montenegro and Belgrade”, said Hronek in his greeting.