Reconstruction of Sokolski dom in Šabac with EU support

The building of Sokolski dom [Sports Centre] in Šabac, built way back in 1934, will regain its old appearance owing to the support of the European Union (EU) provided through the EU PRO development programme. In such a manner, adequate conditions will be created for sports and social activities of new generations, while contributing to the preservation of the tradition and memories of successful athletes who made their first steps as athletes on the sports grounds of Sokolana.

"For residents of Šabac, Sokolana is more than a sports facility. Its reconstruction will create better conditions for the work of numerous sports clubs and associations. Furthermore, this building is of great cultural and historical significance, as a cultural monument, so its reconstruction is important for the whole city from many aspects," said Nemanja Pajić, President of the Assembly of the City of Šabac when he visited the works.

For the reconstruction of the Sokolski Dom building, which includes indoor, electrical and mechanical works, the reconstruction of the heating system and the facade, the European Union has allocated 150,000 Euros, and considerable funds amounting to 100,000 Euros have been provided out of the city budget.

Sokolski dom was built with voluntary contributions from citizens and donations from the city and the state. It was opened by King Aleksandar Karađorđević in a ceremony held in 1934, while in 2005 the building was declared a cultural monument. Still, the lack of maintenance caused by the unresolved issue of property rights has led to its current dilapidated state, with damaged ceilings, broken windows, destroyed flooring.

"The deadline for the completion of the works is 100 days, so we expect that in autumn Sokolana will once again become the centre of sports that it has always been. The sports hall will be a multifunctional one, where sport and all other events will be held. Since it is a cultural monument, all works are performed in consultations with the Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments, and Sokolana will be restored to its old splendour," said Dragan Nikolić, City Councillor in charge of sports.

"I am really happy that this shrine to sports will be renewed as it deserves. I was playing here on clay back in 1959, only later we got concrete, and there is no athlete who has succeeded, who did not practice here," said Petar Fajfrić, the legend of the Šabac and Yugoslav handball.

During the project implementation, special attention will be focused on activities related to the application of the good governance principles, which will regulate the management of the facility and its use, thus definitely contributing to the sustainability of the project and the preservation of Sokolana in Šabac. These activities are implemented in partnership with the Swiss PRO programme funded by the Swiss Government.

The project of reconstruction of the Sokolski Dom building in Šabac is funded by the European Union in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Serbia through the programme EU PRO. Complementary project activities related to the implementation of the good governance principles are carried out in cooperation with the Swiss PRO programme supported by the Swiss Government.