GREAT HUMANITARIAN BASKETBALL GAME

Belgrade, 5th August 2006 – Their Royal Highnesses, Crown Prince Alexander II and Princess Katherine attended a humanitarian basketball game in the Pioneer Hall between the national teams of Serbia and Montenegro and Macedonia tonight (94:79).

The game was organized jointly by the Basketball Federation of Serbia and Montenegro and the Foundation of HRH Princess Katherine.

This was the only game our national team organized in Serbia prior to their departure for the World Basketball Championship in Japan and it was a good chance to check the condition and team spirit. This game was a good was also an opportunity for our players to show their caring spirit by playing for a humanitarian cause. The funds raised will be used to purchase medical equipment for hospitals in Serbia.

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Alexander extended his gratitude and thanks for the excellent cooperation of the basketball associations of the two countries in the process of organizing this charity event and emphasised that sportsmanship is always a role model for people:

“Many sports people that I have met in my life were great persons and also good humanitarians. A few days ago I was reassured by the example of this spirit in the Majestic Evening of Hope, a humanitarian auction organized in Fremont, California. On that occasion Vlade Divac and Peja Stojakovic – legends of the NBA and Serbian basketball – showed their humanitarian spirit. I would like to thank from the bottom of my heart all players of both teams for their wonderful sport spirit and their being so caring”, said the Crown Prince.

HRH Crown Princess Katherine warmly thanked the Basketball Federation of Serbia and Montenegro, Sponsors and Macedonian team for their good will in this game:

“There has been enough dying in Balkans. It is time for new birth. Every piece of medical equipment that we provide for the hospitals in this region means a new life. I would like to thank everyone who helped organize this wonderful basketball game, and I would like to thank all the spectators who came to Pioneer Hall”, emphasised Princess Katherine.

A delegation from the Basketball Federation of Macedonia visited the Royal Palace during the day and met with Their Royal Highnesses, and had a tour of the Dedinje Royal Complex.