Renovation of the Sokolski Dom, the First Athletes’ Hall in Šabac

"There were no indoor facilities, no halls nor school gyms, so this was the only indoor space where the young people and athletes gathered," says Momčilo Jerotić, former handball player. "It is with a special mixture of sadness and affection that I remember our janitress, Mara Petrović, who took care of us as if we were her own children."

The construction of the Sokolski dom began in 1930 thanks to voluntary contributions from the citizens and donations from the municipality and the state.

"Since 1934, when King Alexander opened this magnificent building, many generations of athletes in Šabac have been brought up here," highlights Dragan Nikolić, member of the City Sports Council. "I must say that I am proud of the achievements of the Šabac athletes. In addition to this professional aspect, school sports and recreational sports also mean a lot to us."

Following many recreational players, gymnasts and volleyball players from Sokolski dom, the Metaloplastika handball club players managed to climb to the top of the world.

"Following the recently conducted EU PRO Programme public call, the City of Šabac received funds for the reconstruction of the Sokolana," said Violeta Šestić, Acting Director of the Infrastruktura public company, "this donor will provide us with 150,000 Euros for the reconstruction, while the City's will participate with 100,000 Euros."

The Sokolski dom is once again the city’s property, the preparatory works have been completed while the most important part of the work is yet to come.

"It will be done next year, when the conditions for the start of the construction season are met, so it is next year that we expect the Sokolski dom in its renewed glory," says Nemanja Pajić, President of the City Assembly.

The building, which has been declared a cultural monument and the symbol of youth for many of the Šabac inhabitants, will also host a permanent exhibition of photographs and documents on the development and importance of the Sokolski dom.

Author: Vera Mitrović Kujačin for the Radio Television of Serbia
The text and video material taken from the RTS website
Published: 25 October 2018
Photo by: Vanilica - proprietary work, CC BY-SA 4.0