Welcome to the Balkan Association for Workers’ Sport (BAWS)!
The Balkans, a region steeped in history and diversity, represents a tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Comprising countries such as Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey, along with Croatia, Romania, and Slovenia, the Balkan Peninsula stands as a unique crossroads of civilizations in Southeastern Europe.
Amidst the economic, social, and geopolitical complexities that define the Balkans, the realm of sports emerges as a unifying force, bridging divides and fostering cooperation among nations. At the heart of this sporting landscape lies the rich tradition of workers’ sports, deeply rooted in the fabric of the region’s labor movement.
Throughout the 20th century, workers’ sports flourished, providing a platform for recreation, competition, and social interaction within the working-class communities. From workers’ sports clubs to organized tournaments, this segment of sports culture bore both political and social significance, often intertwined with labor unions and leftist ideologies.
In the period between the two world wars, socialist states in the Balkans, including Bulgaria, Romania, and the former Yugoslavia, embraced and supported workers’ sports as a means of promoting physical activity and social cohesion among the workforce. However, the transition processes in these countries brought about changes in the sporting landscape, leading to the evolution and adaptation of sports organizations to new realities.
Today, the spirit of workers’ sports endures, manifesting in a myriad of recreational and competitive events across the region. As part of broader efforts to promote health and wellness in the workplace, companies and organizations in the Balkans actively engage in employee sports programs, ranging from workers’ sports games to corporate Olympics and sports festivals.
The inception of BAWS marks a milestone in the history of workers’ sports in the Balkans. Established in 2004 during the Open Balkan Workers’ Sports Festival, BAWS has evolved into a dynamic platform for collaboration and exchange among sports organizations across the region. Led by dedicated individuals such as Kostadin Parzulov, the first president of BAWS, the federation has championed the cause of workers’ sports, organizing events, and fostering international partnerships.
Our journey: From the Foundation to Growth
Over the years, BAWS has expanded its membership and activities, hosting regional conferences, expert meetings, and participating in international projects supported by EU funds. Through these endeavors, BAWS continues to promote the values of community, inclusivity, and healthy living, transcending borders and building bridges among nations.
The initiative for cooperation with a long-term perspective between sports organizations was launched by representatives from Bulgaria, Slovenia, FR Yugoslavia, FYR Macedonia and Greece, by signing the Protocol on Cooperation on June 21, 2001. in Albena, Bulgaria.
In the past 20 years, more than tens of thousands of recreationists, as well as employees in numerous companies and local governments had the opportunity to compete, recreate and socialize within the events and manifestations that were organized in the member countries of BAWS (Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia). In the coming period, we believe that other countries of the Balkan Peninsula will join our organization and, above all, the idea of improving this segment of sport and society, in our common interest.
The key activities of cooperation in the field of sports in companies within the organization BAWS, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, relate to the organization of sports and recreational events, the exchange of knowledge and experience through the organization of regional conferences and expert meetings, as well as the implementation of international projects within the framework of EU funds.
2004: A Vision Takes Shape
In May 2004, during the Open Balkan Festival of Workers’ Sports “Balkan Call for Peace” in Albena, Bulgaria, a visionary initiative was born. Representatives from Bulgaria, FYR Macedonia, and SR Serbia and Montenegro came together to form a regional association – the Balkan Association for Workers’ Sports (BAWS). Kostadin Parzulov, a vice-president of the Bulgarian Labor Federation “Sport and Health,” was elected as the inaugural president, laying the foundation for a new era in workers’ sports across the Balkans.
2005-2009: Building Momentum
The years that followed were marked by significant milestones as BAWS embarked on its journey of growth and collaboration. In 2005, organizations from Romania, Greece, and Bosnia and Herzegovina joined the fold, expanding the reach of BAWS. Decisions were made to align with international standards, with efforts to seek membership at the Confédération Sportive Internationale Travailliste et Amateur (CSIT) Assembly in Marseille, France. Through subsequent meetings and assemblies, BAWS solidified its presence, with key decisions made to enhance organizational structure and engagement.
2011-2017: Continuity and Evolution
As leadership transitions occurred, BAWS remained steadfast in its mission to promote workers’ sports and foster regional cooperation. In 2011, Adam Dumitru from Romania assumed the presidency, succeeding Kostadin Parzulov, who was appointed as the honorary president. Subsequent years saw new faces at the helm, with Dragan Ćurlinov from FYR Macedonia and Jezdimir Marsenić, M.Sc. from Serbia, leading the federation with dedication and vision.
2022-2024: Charting a Course for the Future
In Ohrid, North Macedonia, on May 21, 2022, during the BAWS Electoral Assembly, Branko Vujović from Serbia was elected as the new president. Vujović proposed significant changes, including amendments to the Statute, appointing Mr. Dejan Marsenić from Serbia as the secretary of BAWS, and relocating the BAWS center to Belgrade, Serbia.
In St. To Konstantin and Elena, Bulgaria, on June 17, 2022, a regular session of the BAWS Assembly was convened, resulting in the adoption of amendments to the Statute and the election of a new BAWS Board.
In Budva, Montenegro, on September 15, 2022, during the 31st International Sport for All Festival, the BAWS Board met and decided to designate one “Central BAWS event” for each calendar year. President Vujović proposed the 30th Open Sport for All Ski Festival, to be held in Kopaonik, Serbia, in 2023, organized by the Association Sport for All Serbia. The calendar of BAWS events for 2023 was endorsed by all BAWS members.
During the 32nd International Sports for All Festival in Budva, Montenegro, on September 29, 2023, the BAWS Board convened to discuss upcoming events. It was unanimously decided that the “Central Manifestation of BAWS” for the year 2024 would be the 9th International Sports Games, hosted by the Macedonian Association “Sport for All without borders” in North Macedonia. Additionally, the calendar of BAWS events for 2024 was approved by all members present.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future
As we reflect on our journey thus far, we stand poised at the threshold of new possibilities. With each passing year, BAWS reaffirms its commitment to promoting workers’ sports, fostering regional integration, and advancing the well-being of our communities. Together, we chart a course towards a future where sports transcend boundaries, uniting us in a shared pursuit of excellence and camaraderie. Join us as we continue to write the next chapter in the story of workers’ sports in the Balkans.
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