At the University of Tetova started its proceedings the 5th International Balkan Conference in Sport Sciences organized by the Faculty of Physical Education. In this conference participated researchers from various sports fields from the country, region, Europe and the United States of America.

Proceedings of the conference were declared open by the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, who said that the organization of this scientific activity confirms the seriousness of our institution, the commitment of scientists, researchers, to engage concretely in the realization of new researches in the field of sports sciences. “Our University has established cooperative relations with many universities and researchers from all over the world, and on the basis of this cooperation today with their participation have honored renowned professors from the Northern Illinois University of Chicago, United States of America, such as: Prof. Dr. Chad D. McEvoy, Prof. Dr. Clayton L Camic, Prof. Dr. Steven M. Howell, Prof. Dr. James D. Ressler. Then, Prof. Dr. Agron Kasa from the Republic of Albania, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Ferid Acar and Prof. Dr. Ramazan Savranbaşı from the Republic of Turkey, Prof. Dr. Mesut Cerit from Cyprus, Prof. Dr. Davorin Antonic from Croatia and many other well-known personalities, precious partners of our institution. Faculty of Physical Education of our University, already consolidated, has gained great success in educating young generations and in scientific research. From this academic unit there are qualified generations of students who today exercise their profession in important tasks in our country and beyond, by not forgetting the well-known names that have put their stamp on different sports disciplines. I’m convinced that this scientific gathering will be a good experience for all, where the scientific opinion will dominate, comprehensive treatment of the problems faced by the sports sciences, as I believe to convey messages of cooperation, understanding, tolerance and mutual support, not only among scientists but among our peoples and countries also” – said Rector, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti.

Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education of the University of Tetova, Doc. Dr. Haki Ismaili, said that in this conference special emphasis was put on the promotion of young researchers, who, according to him, is given the opportunity to develop their critical thinking, writing and presentation skills. “I hope these will be the most productive days, filled with paper presentation and discussions. I wish the conference to achieve a big success not only in exchanging knowledge and experience in higher education, but to be also a continuation of fruitful collaboration between universities, participants, devoted professors in the development of sport sciences in general” – said Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education of the University of Tetova, Doc. Dr. Haki Ismaili.

Participants of this conference were welcomed by the Chair of the Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education at Northern Illinois University, Prof. Dr. Chad D. McEvoy. He said that this is an era in which many opportunities are offered for the development of arts, sciences, sports, etc. “Sport is a good example, in which are intertwined the beauty of art and the accuracy of science. I see sport as a link between art and science. I’m often surprised to see basketball players and football players playing, for e.g. world-renowned footballer Lionel Messi, whose movements resemble artistic movements, but thought correctly in a scientific way. In his personality, art and science are in a perfect harmony with each other. I’m very happy to be here today to share and discuss ideas for sports sciences together. At the same time I feel honored to be among Vice-Rectors, deans, professors, students, football players of FC “Shkëndija”, whose fan I’m and I save the shirt of the FC “Shkëndija”, which I took during my last visit to this city. I express my special thanks to the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti and wish success for the development of conference proceedings” – said Prof. Dr. Chad D. McEvoy.

Coordinator of this conference, Prof. Dr. Fadil Mamuti, announced that at the 5th International Balkan Conference in Sport Sciences participate more than 150 scientific researchers and will be treated topics from various sports fields. “In this conference were included topics such as Physical Education; Sport; Health; Management; Security forces; People with special needs; Nutrition; Anthropological structure of adolescents; Selection of athletes; Law on Sport; Psycho-social Characteristics of Students; Rural and urban school students; Biomechanics and evaluation in the educational process” – said Prof. Dr. Fadil Mamuti.

Within the solemn opening of the conference, Prof. Dr. Agron Kasa, professor at Sports University of Tirana, held a professional lecture on “Sports University of Tirana towards European Standards”.

After the end of this lecture, Rector of the University of Tetova bestowed gifts to Prof. Dr. Chad D. McEvoy, Prof. Dr. Agron Kasa and the sponsor of this conference, Professor Ibrahim Dehari, owner of restaurant “Arra”. Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, bestowed a letter of gratitude and logo of the University of Tetova for the President of the FC “Shkëndija”, Tetova, Visar Bexheti and the manager of the Women’s Volleyball Club “University of Tetova”, Laureta Abazi.

After receiving the logo and letter of gratitude, the President of the local football club, FC “Shkëndija”, Visar Bexheti, thanked the University of Tetova for the invitation that has made to them and to the football players of Shkëndija to participate in the opening of the proceedings of this conference. “I want to thank the University of Tetova for the invitation they have made to us. It was an honor for our club, management staff, technical staff and players to be here to share these moments with you. I would like to thank all of you for the unreserved support you have given to the FC “Shkëndija”, especially the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, who has always been willing to cooperate and for any kind of support. So today in this occasion on behalf of the FC “Shkëndija” to bestow the shirt of Shkëdija with the signatures of all these wonderful guys who with their work managed to be declared champion in the first league of Macedonian football” – said the President of the local football club, FC “Shkëndija”, Visar Bexheti.

While the manager of the Women’s Volleyball Club “University of Tetova”, Laureta Abazi, thanked the Rector of the University of Tetova for the great contribution that has given to the club, because thanks to his help for a short period of time the club has managed to get in the final of the cup. “I think that this championship that was closed for the volleyball club of the University of Tetova was concluded with success. Our club got into the grand finale. This success was achieved as a result of the tireless work of the girls of the club, which I would like to congratulate and thank for the work and sacrifice that they have made and I think that they have achieved the goal. Although we were unable to win the final, they always remain the best for the club. I would like to thank also the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, for the unsparing support that has given to the club” – said the manager of the club, Laureta Abazi.

Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, in addition of some personalities, bestowed also letter of gratitude for the football players of FC “Shkëndija” Tetovo as a sign of gratitude for the results achieved in sport, football discipline, as well as the affirmation of Albanian sport in the international arena.

Letters of gratitude were bestowed by the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Vullnet Ameti, to the Women’s Volleyball Club “University of Tetova”, for its contribution, the results achieved in the field of sports, in the volleyball discipline and the promotion of the University of Tetova.

At the end of the conference, the Presidents of the FC “Shkëndija”, Tetova, Visar Bexheti, to the Rector of UT, bestowed the shirt of Shkëndija with the signatures of all the football players of this team.