"Red - white blood" - Another game of life

The large turnout of the stars delighted the entire public, and it is expected that in this most difficult, summer period, the number of donors will be even higher. Marko Petrović, the operational director of FC Crvena zvezda, expressed great gratitude to all the people of good will.

- I am glad that we are starting this season with a match like this, with the match of a lifetime. The football club is more than just sport, as the biggest brand in Serbia, we are committed to values and charity, and I believe that this jubilee season, where Zvezda celebrates its 80th birthday, will start in the best possible way with a humanitarian action like this. What I would like to emphasize is that we believe that we are sending a strong message to the public and our entire Zvezda community, which is that Zvezda is our family. One strong united family that is dedicated to one widespread social values, from the very sport that brought us together. Blood is necessary, especially at this time of the season, I would urge all our fans and the general public to support it. I am proud that FC Crvena Zvezda is influencing in this way, that as one institution and the biggest Serbian brand, we can in this way encourage a large number of star players, to contribute and help in this humanitarian work. I would like this number of people to increase, sometimes people come forward with some need, we have to be aware that sooner or later we will be in a position where we need blood. We have to be self-aware of that and give today, so that tomorrow someone will do the same for us - said Petrović.

The Minister of Health - Zlatibor Lončar addressed the attendees.

- I want to thank the entire Red Star family and all the "parties" and all those who support Zvezda, who participated in this action. There is nothing more humane to do, to donate blood and help someone, that is. to save someone's life. Thank you for coming, also for carrying out this campaign for so long. 12,648 stars responded, of which 11,493 donated blood. A part could not donate for medical reasons, but we count those people who applied as having donated because they came with that intention. The average per action was 396 donors. The extremely important fact is that almost 26% of donors are accessing this kind of campaign for the first time. Considering that one unit of blood can save three lives, the star players saved more than 30 thousand lives in Serbia with their action. Once again, thank you very much, all other words are not enough except for these data. It is important that you organize actions usually when the number of blood donors drops, in the summer period, that is, during the holidays - said Lončar.

At the end, the general secretary of SD Crvena zvezda - Zoran Avramović - spoke.

- It is an honor and a privilege and a really great pleasure to make today a beautiful and significant date. Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, star players and "deliers" and all those who find time and recognize the message that we are at this conference, will come and donate blood. Doing a good deed without any expectation or reward is the universal language of kindness. Red Star has been trying for years to make a big step forward in what it means to be a sports institution. Thank you to all the representatives of the clubs who came today, took their time, and to everyone who recognized our action and came to a single invitation without asking. As they say that in life there are not only victories and defeats, let me remind you that Red Star won seven double crowns and three triple crowns this year. Everyone supported the results we won, but this tomorrow and the skeleton is exactly what exists and why the sport is great. In sports, watching, talking, love, words are also important, but there is also ordinary life that depends on us. I am emotional, happy and fulfilled that Crvena zvezda showed how big it is and how wonderful and beautiful the reality of Serbia is - concluded Avramović.