Presevo –The beginning of the month was marked by football at the Reception Center in Presevo, a tournament in table tennis is currently taking place there, while the end of the month is reserved for volleyball. All events, which are organized by the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, are connected by the slogan "The Ball is Round." 

There are three tennis tables in the tent, as well as fifty contestants classified into two categories: school children and adults.

After the game, Afghan Mortaza conveyed his impressions to us. He did so in the Serbian language, which he learned at school, together with his peers from Presevo: 

“I play tennis and I play nice, I am third place." 

Table tennis has linked three reception centers, those in Vranje, Bujanovac and Presevo. All the centers have tennis tables and table tennis equipment.

"I am grateful to everyone in the camp," said Iranian Astana, "who are kind to organize such  sporting events for us."

The locals, as well as those employed at the Reception Center, the Commissariat for Migration and the NGO sector, played, too.  The best players were awarded cups and medals, as well as sports equipment.

Ivan Filipovic, from the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, believes that this is the way for the "ping-pong to develop as a sport":

"Especially in South Serbia, where it is not so developed, but we are trying to organize the event the best way we can,  so that both children and migrants would be pleased with it."

There is a slight decline in the number of migrants in Serbia. According to the Commissariat for Refugees and Migration, there are currently around three and a half thousand migrants, while few of them seek asylum.  

Source: Serbian Broadcasting Corporation – Channel 1 and Coordination Body