In honor of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, the University of Tetova, through the Faculty of Physical Education, organized the Traditional International Beach Volleyball Tournament, turning this sporting event into an activity that combines sport, friendship, and international cooperation.
The tournament, which began on July 2 and concluded with the final held on July 4, 2026, brought together 13 teams from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, Ukraine, and North Macedonia. For the first time in the history of this tournament, teams from Ukraine also participated, giving the event an even broader international dimension.
Addressing those present, the Rector of the University of Tetova, Prof. Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti, emphasized the importance of this event, which promotes universal values of freedom, respect, and cooperation through sport. “We have gathered to honor an idea that goes beyond the playing field, geographical borders, and differences between people: the idea that freedom, respect, and cooperation are the foundations upon which sustainable societies are built”, – said Rector Prof. Dr. Kushtrim Ahmeti.
Furthermore, he highlighted the role of sport in bringing people and nations closer together, stressing that “At the University of Tetova, sport becomes more than competition. It turns into a common language, a bridge of communication, and proof that young people can meet with dignity, compete with fairness, and leave with greater respect for one another”.
After the final match concluded, the winners of this edition were also announced. The champions of the competition were the duo from the Republic of Kosovo: Erion Bajrami and Ermal Maliqi. In second place was also a team from Kosovo, Adriatik Berisha and Erin Qalaj, while third place went to the volleyball players from our country, David Stojanov and Angel Boshkov.
As part of the closing ceremony, in addition to the awarding of trophies and medals to the winning teams, certificates of appreciation were also presented to the referees and sponsors of the tournament, in recognition of their contribution and support.
Likewise, the participating teams in this tournament expressed their gratitude to the Dean of the Faculty of Physical Education, Prof. Dr. Shpresa Memishi, the organizing staff, referees, sponsors, and all contributors who made the successful organization of this traditional tournament possible, which over the years has become an important sporting event of the University of Tetova.
The tournament concluded in a sportive and friendly atmosphere, once again confirming the University of Tetova’s commitment to promoting sport, international cooperation, and strengthening the friendship between the University of Tetova and the United States of America.
