On April 5, 2025, MSOS Maribor organized the first humanitarian sports tournament in the history of our organization. The idea came naturally. After the tragic events in Kočani, many of us felt powerless, but we also knew we had to do something. As students, maybe we could not solve everything, but we could do what we do best: bring people together. Sports became the perfect way to channel our emotions and energy into solidarity.
A day full of energy
The event took place at the Leon Štukelj Sports Hall, which came alive with cheering, laughter, and the sound of basketballs and futsal balls bouncing across the courts. From the very beginning, you could feel that this was not just about competition. It was about community.
We welcomed 12 basketball teams and 4 futsal teams, made up not only of Macedonian students but also of friends from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Spain. That mix of cultures and languages created a special vibe, proof that solidarity does not stop at national borders. Teams supported each other, rivalries ended in handshakes, and every goal or basket felt like a small victory for the cause we were all there for.
More than just a tournament
The matches lasted over six hours, and the atmosphere never slowed down. Friends came to support their teams, music kept the hall lively, and there was always someone explaining the background to newcomers: "We are doing this for Kočani." That constant reminder turned every point scored into something bigger than sports.
At the end of the tournament, symbolic prizes were awarded to the winners. They were not just trophies. They were a way to honor everyone who gave their time and energy to be part of the event.
The humanitarian impact
The most important result was not on the scoreboard but in the donations box. Together, we raised €1.010, which was split between two Macedonian families whose children were undergoing treatment in Slovenia. It was not just money. It was a message that they were not alone, that the student community stood with them during the hardest of times.
Why it mattered
For MSOS, this tournament was more than a one-day event. It showed that our community has the strength to respond to challenges with compassion and action. We proved that student life is not only about lectures and exams, or even about parties and fun. It can also be about solidarity, empathy, and humanity.
And maybe most importantly, this was just the beginning. With "Playing with Heart, Together for Kočani", we did not only create a successful humanitarian action. We set the foundation for a tradition that will continue to remind us that together, we can make a difference.
Acknowledgments and thanks
The tournament would not have been possible without the support of our partners and community. We are grateful to the University of Maribor for providing the entire Leon Štukelj Sports Hall free of charge, to Macedonia Trade for taking care of the refreshments and gifts for the winning teams, and to Radenska for supplying water for all participants.
A huge thank you also goes to our MSOS Maribor team and volunteers, who worked tirelessly to make this event a reality. And of course, to all the students who showed up not only as players but also as fans, supporters, and friends. Their cheering, laughter, and energy filled the hall and transformed the tournament into more than a competition. It became a moment of unity, solidarity, and joy that none of us will forget.
