ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë

The second edition of the Niš – Karditsa ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë Friendship Cup took place this summer, this time in Karditsa. The two local ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë regions of Karditsa (Greece) and Niš (Serbia) established the ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë Friendship Cup as an annual event, alternating locations each year.

The Friendship Cup does ‘what it says on the tin’: It is an initiative that aims for a deeper understanding between the two ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë regions, creates important connections and ultimately lays down the foundations of a great friendship.

This time around the Friendship Cup hosted two Greek (Karditsa and Samos) and two Serbian (ΙΡΑ Niš Policija and Žandarmerija) football teams. After an exciting tournament with matches that went down to the wire, the team of Karditsa came up triumphant, winning the Friendship Cup after a penalty shoot-out against the strong team of ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë Nis Žandarmerija. The trophy was a collectible sculpture by the famous pottery artist Timos Hatzilagos from the island of Samos.

Our Serbian friends also had the opportunity to do some sightseeing, visiting the majestic Plastiras Lake and Meteora. It is worth noting that the tournament took place under the sponsorship of the County Police Headquarters of Thessaly and as a result, a number of formal and informal meetings took place in order to exchange views and experiences on a number of topics. It was a pleasure and an honour to see our General Mr Ioannis Tolias visiting the tournament on a daily basis, highlighting the importance of this ongoing initiative.

After the Friendship Cup tournament, the representatives of the two parties, ΙΡΑ Karditsa President Mr. Georgios Zarchanis and ΙΡΑ Niš Vice President Mr Saša Spacić signed a twinning protocol. They both highlighted the importance of continuing  the Friendship Cup in the future, and made a promise to do their best in order to increase the number of teams.

ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë Karditsa and ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë Niš are already looking forward to next year’s tournament, which will take place in spring 2019!

ÍõÖÐÍõÁùºÏ²ÊÌØÂë Greece Region Karditsa