The first memorial tournament "Slobodan Slobo Jablan" was played on Sunday, December 22 in the hall of the Sports Center in Cetinje.
Six teams participated in the tournament (Lovćen, Libero Cetinje, Galeb and Net in the women's competition), and an exhibition match was played between Lovćen and last year's winner of the tournament for veterans, the team "Krsto Radusinović" from Podgorica.
The tournament was opened by the general secretary of the Volleyball Association, Ivan Bošković, who expressed the hope that the name of Slobodan Jablan, the man who revived volleyball in Prijestonica, will be preserved through this tournament.
"We gathered not only to play games, but to pay tribute to the man who brought volleyball to life in Cetinje and left an indelible mark in the hearts of all of us. Unfortunately, Slobo is not with us today, and that emptiness is felt. I was lucky enough to know Slob and to work together for many years and I know he would be proud to see such a large number of people gathered in his honor.
His love for volleyball, his enthusiasm and selflessness left a deep mark on our sport and community. I'm sure he would be happy with this energy, youth and togetherness. This tournament is not only an opportunity to show our skill on the court, but also to remind ourselves of the values that Slobo lived and promoted - friendship, honesty and passion for volleyball.
This will be a traditional tournament, because the name of Slobo Jablana deserves to live on and be remembered for years to come. The Volleyball Federation of Montenegro stands by this initiative and will be your support in preserving Slobo's legacy.
Together we will work to ensure that his name continues to shine as an inspiration to current and future generations.
I would like to thank everyone who is here today – players, coaches, organizers and the audience. Your presence speaks of how much Slobo meant to all of us.
Let this tournament be a holiday of sport and friendship, worthy of its name", said Bošković.
The president of the "Lovćen" Volleyball Club, Slobodan Borozan, reminded that Jablan arrived at the Cetinje club more than 40 years ago and that his engagement contributed to making it better.
"Slobo came to the club in the mid-eighties and with his work and engagement contributed to Lovćen becoming better and better. He was a great worker and a good man who selflessly advocated for the progress of the club. His engagement was also noticed by the local administration, so Slobo was chosen as the best sports worker in Prijestonica for 2015," said Borozan.
The memorial tournament was organized by the Volleyball Club "Lovćen" with the support of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro.
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