The message from my previous report was taken to heart by the people of Novi Bečej. Jovo Popović and Ljupko Eremić, together with several other supporters and relatives, organized an unforgettable welcome for us.

In front of the main railway station in Belgrade, Jovo Popović led a brass band. The sound of the trumpets rose above the noise of Belgrade and added even more excitement to the emotions we were already feeling. Jovo made no secret of his delight. He took the trophy and used it to conduct the musicians. We were proud beyond words.

And, of course, right there in the street, champagne was opened. The celebration had begun.

For the journey home, instead of the yellow van, a bus was waiting for us. The champions deserved nothing less.

Our first stop after arriving in Novi Bečej was the tavern known as „Busija“, where a group of supporters and relatives joined us. As we stepped off the bus, we were greeted by chants:

“We are the champions... Champions, champions!”

The national flag was waving, and the atmosphere was unforgettable.

Together with the supporters, we got back on the bus because we were told that the champions were expected on the square in front of the Cultural Centre, where the municipal leadership was waiting for us.

When we arrived, several dozen supporters were there, along with the complete municipal leadership, headed by the newly elected President of the Municipal Assembly, Milovan Baštovanov.

At the gala dinner at the “Tiski Cvet” Hotel, I introduced each of the players individually, and we spent the evening recalling our impressions of the unforgettable journey and the great final. And, as is customary on occasions like this, there were also plenty of promises made.

Captain Đenđi Kiš and the other players, exhausted by the excitement and the long journey and longing for some rest, eventually withdrew. The following week already awaited them with new matches in the domestic championship.

A Reception for the Champions

Following their victory in the European Cup, numerous receptions and tributes were organized in honor of our champions.

One of the first receptions for the bowlers was held at IGK “Polet”. This was followed by a reception at the Municipal Assembly, held during a visit to Novi Bečej by Federal Minister of Sport Vojislav Andrić.

It was a time when the success of our bowlers was celebrated with particular pride. The champions had returned home with the trophy, but also with the feeling that their achievement was an achievement of the entire town of Novi Bečej.