**Serbian Students Receive Warm Welcome in Croatia**
A remarkable relay ultramarathon from Belgrade to Brussels has reached a milestone, as 16 Serbian students arrived in the Croatian city of Varazdin on Sunday evening. The enthusiastic welcome was organized by a civic initiative and supported by local authorities, with the city of Varazdin providing accommodation and dinner for the runners.
The gathering at the main square was filled with emotions, as students from Croatia, along with many citizens, showed their solidarity with the marathoners. Sixteen students from Croatia held signs bearing the names of the 16 victims who lost their lives in Novi Sad on November 1, when a concrete canopy collapsed at the city’s recently renovated main train station.
The event observed 16 minutes of silence to honor the victims, and many in the crowd were moved to tears. The presence of Croatian MPs and young people added to the significance of the gathering, with some attendees expressing their inspiration and motivation from seeing these brave young people fight for dignity and freedom of speech.
“This brave action by young people is a symbol of the fight for dignity and freedom of speech,” said a message from Croatian students, delivered by a student speaker. “What is happening in Serbia today is a sign that the people are maturing… One world, one struggle.”
**A Message of Hope**
The welcome event in Varazdin was not just about showing solidarity with the marathoners; it was also about sending a strong message to the Serbian students and to the world at large. As one young woman expressed, seeing everyone standing together, sharing the experience, is incredibly inspiring.
“It’s time for change, and together we can make it happen,” she said. “We all face injustice every day, and seeing them take such an active stand is incredibly inspiring.”
**Varazdin Mayor Speaks Out**
Varazdin Mayor Neven Bosilj attended the event and emphasized that too many people have lost their future by clinging to the past. He noted that it’s time to move on and focus on building a better future.
“I am here first and foremost as a citizen, not just as the mayor, because Varazdin is an open city,” he said. “We’ll provide them with dinner and host them in our sports hall.”
Bosilj also used the opportunity to appeal to his fellow citizens to look toward the future rather than dwelling on past events.
“These young people—none of them were born in 1991 or 1995. They were all born in this century,” he said. “So we really should stop being stuck in the past and start looking toward the future.”
**A Long Journey Ahead**
The Serbian students are expected to reach Graz by the evening, with their marathon scheduled to end in Brussels. As they continue on their journey, they will undoubtedly face new challenges and experiences that will shape their understanding of the world.
Their bravery and determination have inspired many, including those who gathered in Varazdin. The event serves as a reminder that even the smallest actions can make a significant impact when taken together with others who share similar values and goals.
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