Continuation of successful cooperation

In Bari were young female valleyball players and yound footballers, who competed in tournaments organised by triangular system.

Maggio Barese event was an idea dated 5 years ago, and initiated by than secretary of SOFKA Montenegro, late Dragutin Lale Martinović and Michelle Barbone, than president of Olympic Committee of Puglia, and today member of administrative bodies of Olympic Committee of Italy.
After multiannual break, caused by unpleasand event at the Balkans, ccoperation relived in its full during last year, when young water polo and karate national teams of Montenegro visited Italy. Italians returned their visit in September last year.

This year, in Bari was Montenegrin delegation composed of 42 members. On Friday, 29th May, hosts organised for their guests reception in Murat room, where was also exibited setting dedicated to sport, where the present were addressed by president of Olympic Committee of Puglia and Secretary of Secretariat for Sport of Municipality Bari, Elio Sanikandro. He emphasized importance of cooperation adn close relations of Montenegro and Italian region Puglia, being neighbours connected by the same sea.

On behalf of guests, hosts were greeted by coach of young football national team, Ljubo Petrović.

At the reception were also present young Italian footballers from FC Palese and Volleyball club Modunio.

The same afternoon, at the „San Paolo“ stadium, was played friendly macth with FC „Aurora“ from Bari, regional cjampion, who had 25 wins in a row, until this match. They lost 6 : 0 from our foootballers.

It was important test for our young footballers and practice for important international matches.
On next day, Saturday 30th May, in Palasport Carbonara hall was held volleyball tournament, where besides our volleyball players also participated volleyball players from „Modunio“ and „Asem Bari“. Supported by our young footballers, the girls won this tournament.

On same day, in the afternoon, our athletes visited famous „San Nicola“ stadium and watched football match Bari – Treviso, won by home players 4 : 1. It was real spectacle. Even though the stadium was not full because Bari already secured its entry in Serie A, after 8 year long break.
On Sunday, 31st May, after volleyball players went to celebration of National day of sport, organised by Olympic Committee of Bari, in the afternoon was organised football tournament on sport complex „Green park“. Just fefor its beginning, Maggio Barese event was officially opened by the president of Olympic Committee of Bari, Mr. Lioneti.

Michelle Barbone toghether with his associates Ana Lagatola, Ana Difino and Paolo Montone from Olympic Committee of Puglia, were always present as hosts at matches and ceremonies, both this year and last year. Montenegro won FC Paleze with 3 : 0 and than lost from Puglia team with 2 : 0 and won second place.

Ljubo Petrović, coach of our football team and Goran Mihaljević, secretary of our younger football teams.

After the football tournament, Rajko Tijanić's volleyball players, had another friendly match with VC „Trani“ from small place near Bari. The defeat in match against Montenegrians didn't reduce enthusiasm of Trani supporters and their players for playing against one national team. Secretary General of Volleyball Association of Montenegro, Slobodan Kovačević, was delighted with reception of the host, stressing importance of such events for our young volleyball players as possibility for team spirit building and preparations for matches.

At the reception 29th May

Group photo with football players of Aurora 29th May

Detail from the match with Aurora, San Paolo stadium

From the bench during the match with Arora

Ours at the stadium San Nicola during
Bari – Treviso match

Slobodan Kovačević and Rajko Tijanić at San Nicola stadium

Ljubo Petrović and Goran Mihaljević

Volleyball players greeting at the tournament 30th May

Detail from the match with Modunia