During 1955, there is no reliable data on the performances of swimmers and water polo players from Novi Bečej under the name “Jedinstvo,” as the team competed that year under the name Partizan. This was most likely part of a broader social initiative aimed at promoting the Physical Education Society “Partizan,” which also included a swimming section.
Throughout the year, swimmers from Novi Bečej made several appearances under this name, both within the Zrenjanin Swimming Sub-Association and at the Serbian Championships. A particularly notable performance was that of the junior (pioneer) team at the Serbian Championship for swimmers up to 14 years of age, held in Zrenjanin. Sixteen clubs took part in the competition, 14 of them from Vojvodina.
The Novi Bečej team competed with six athletes and achieved respectable results, finishing in 6th place with 12 points, behind:
- Radnički (Ćuprija) – 192 points
- Polet (Sombor) – 191 points
- Proleter (Zrenjanin) – 116 points
- Senta – 69 points
- Jugoslavija (Belgrade) – 27 points
The team consisted of two female swimmers — Smiljka Petrović and Vera Stambolić — and four male swimmers: Zlatoje Marić, Milan Perović, Miroljub Matić, and Živorad Berbakov. The team leader and coach was Milivoj Marić.
According to the competition rules, travel and accommodation expenses for competitors and their coach were covered by the Swimming and Water Polo Federation of Serbia, but only if a competitor or relay team finished among the top three.
Notable Results
Although the overall placement was modest, several individual results stood out:
- Vera Stambolić — 3rd place, 50 m backstroke (girls)
- Miroljub Matić — 2nd place, 100 m butterfly (boys)
- Živorad Berbakov — 3rd place, 100 m freestyle (boys)
For a small club from Novi Bečej, this was an outstanding achievement, especially considering the strong competition from major clubs such as Proleter (Zrenjanin), Polet (Sombor), Radnički (Ćuprija), and Spartak (Subotica).
This success represented not only a sporting accomplishment but also financial relief for the club through reimbursement of expenses. For the young athletes, however, the greatest experience was likely their first stay in a hotel — “Central” in Zrenjanin — and winning their first diplomas at a major competition.
Second Place in Diving
At the same time, the Zrenjanin Swimming Sub-Association Championship in diving was also held. The Novi Bečej junior team achieved 2nd place with 131 points, behind Radnički (Kovin) with 141 points, and ahead of:
- Jezero (Bela Crkva) – 33 points
- Partizan (Klek) – 12 points
- Mladost (Perlez)
The youth team of Partizan from Novi Bečej finished 4th at the Sub-Association Championship, behind Radnički (Kovin), Proleter (Zrenjanin), and Dinamo (Pančevo), and ahead of Student (Zrenjanin) and Radnički (Kikinda).
According to the annual report of the Zrenjanin Swimming Sub-Association for 1955, a total of 24 teams were ranked. Partizan from Novi Bečej ended the season in the top group, among the seven best teams.
Professional Development
That year, a coaching course was held in Zrenjanin (July 1–19), successfully completed by a student from Novi Bečej, Imre Đetvai (1934). An instructor course in swimming and water polo was completed by Sava Ivanić and Aleksandar Marčić.
Water Polo Team Did Not Travel to Bela Crkva
The year 1955 was particularly difficult due to poor training conditions. Floating platforms on the Tisa River were not installed throughout the summer, forcing swimmers and water polo players to train in the natural, flowing river.
While this was still manageable for swimmers, it made water polo training nearly impossible.
The team also faced player shortages:
- senior players (the Ivanić brothers, Marčić, Vojnov) had left Novi Bečej
- the middle generation (Milorad Berbakov, Gurjanov, Štaud, Ivan Popov, and Milivoj Marić) were finishing school and enrolling in universities
As a result, the water polo team was unable to gather and participate in the Banat Championship in Bela Crkva, despite attempts to reinforce the squad with younger players such as Živorad Berbakov and Zlatoje Marić, as well as Marko Vukčević and Milan Perović.
Instead of Jedinstvo, Partizan from Novi Kneževac took part in the competition. Radnički from Kikinda won the Banat Championship, while Partizan from Novi Kneževac finished last (sixth).
Source: “Zrenjanin”, No. 149, August 13, 1955
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