World Diabetes Day in Bosnia-Herzegovina

2,992 children had the change to celebrate World Diabetes Day, 14 November 2005, with a fun football tournament ‘Novo Nordisk Cup’ in Bosnia-Herzegovina. 25 events took place, as 40 towns participated with 63 football clubs, female football clubs and elementary schools, providing their stadiums, trainers and kids.

Celebrating World Diabetes Day 14 November 2005, Cross Cultures Open Fun Football Schools in Bosnia-Herzegovina organized the fun football tournament ‘Novo Nordisk Cup’ through the Novo Nordisk School Challenge project.
25 events took place, as 40 towns participated with 63 football clubs, female football clubs and elementary schools, providing their stadiums, trainers and kids.

Fun Football Tournament was headed by 12 educated instructors, 18 leaders, 172 trainers and 94 assistants.
In total 2992 kids participated, out of which 78% were boys and 22% girls, and the average on each cup was 120 participants.
The event was broadcast on all TV channels in Bosnia- Herzegovina, and also local newspapers covered the Novo Nordisk School Challenge on World Diabetes Day.

In some cases elementary schools were closed for the day in order to allow as many kids as possible to participate. That happened in Vogošca, Šamac, Ilidža, Ilijaš, and Prijedor elementary schools, where the kids from grade 1-7 were present the entire day. For some kids this was their first active participation in a joint football game.

Prior to each cup, we had invited medical specialists to spread information and awareness on how diabetes can be prevented or treated. Thus, with the Novo Nordisk School Challenge Cup we have inspired children to eat healthy food and exercise in a fun and educational way.

All the participants were awarded with a specially designed diploma, whereas towns and football clubs received each 10 footballs.

Below is a statement from one of the participants:

“When this day turned up I was so proud to take part in the Novo Nordisk Cup and that my school took part as well. It is so nice when you can give your contribution in order to focus on how diabetes can be prevented or treated while playing football in a fun way. These days there are a lot of kids at my age in the world, who are suffering from diabetes. I was so emotional knowing that I would play football with my friends thinking of all the other kids from all over the world, wishing them the best health conditions and childhood. That is the only way we can contribute to avoid distinguishing any kids because of their sex, race and religion, recognising that the kids all over the world are the same.

I would kindly like to ask adults: “Take care that all the kids in world are happy - and they can be happy only if they are healthy…”

Adina Mihmic,
IV 2, Vogošca