30 Years of OKI Fantomi
The 30th anniversary of OKI Fantomi marks three decades of resilience, inclusion and recovery shaped by mine survivors who turned sitting volleyball into a path of rehabilitation, connection and achievement.
The anniversary was marked in Sarajevo together with the 25th International Sitting Volleyball Tournament Sarajevo Open, a long-standing event that brings together clubs, national teams and athletes from across Europe. The Sarajevo Open continues to be supported through ITF with the contribution of the Republic of Korea, alongside other international donors, reflecting a long-term commitment to both sport and inclusion.
What began as a form of recovery after life-changing injuries has, over time, developed into an outstanding sporting legacy. OKI Fantomi has grown into one of the most successful sitting volleyball clubs in the world, becoming multiple-time European champions. Its players have also contributed to the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, which won a silver medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris – the country’s highest achievement in Olympic and Paralympic sport to date.
The anniversary gathering in Sarajevo City Hall brought together partners, friends and supporters of the club. Among those present were Dr. Aleš Musar, spouse of the President of Slovenia, H.E. Damijan Sedar, Ambassador of Slovenia to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Mr. Željko Komšić, member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, whose presence highlighted the importance of continued international and institutional engagement in supporting mine action and victim assistance.
ITF was among the partners recognised during the ceremony, receiving the “Golden Coat of Arms of Fantomi” in appreciation of its long-standing cooperation and contribution to supporting mine victims in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The award was presented by Mr. Mirsad Mirojević, Director of OKI Fantomi and one of the prominent Faces of ITF, reflecting a partnership built over almost three decades.
The Sarajevo Open, where OKI Fantomi secured victory at this year’s 25th edition of the tournament, as well as ITF’s wider mine action and victim assistance programmes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, are supported by international donors including the Republic of Korea, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and other partners, whose sustained contributions make both sporting and humanitarian activities possible. ITF also congratulates all participating clubs and national teams whose commitment, sportsmanship and dedication contributed to the spirit of the tournament.
Speaking at the event, ITF Director Tomaž Lovrenčič highlighted the importance of the partnership and the broader meaning of the club’s work:
“It is a great honour for ITF to participate in the organisation of this tournament for 25 years. Phantoms have become a guiding star when it comes to what sport and togetherness can achieve. We are fascinated by the continuity and success that has lasted for three decades.”
He also noted that ITF, with the support of the international donor community, continues to implement demining and mine victim assistance programmes in Bosnia and Herzegovina. While significant progress has been made in reducing contaminated areas since the end of the conflict, mine clearance and support to affected communities remain ongoing priorities.
“The minefields will be cleared, but the victims will remain, and that is why it is important that we support them and learn from them,” he added.
During the event, Dr. Aleš Musar expressed admiration for the athletes of OKI Fantomi, highlighting how players who once turned to sitting volleyball as part of their recovery after surviving mine explosions have gone on to achieve remarkable international sporting success. In conversations with Mr. Ismet Godinjak, President of OKI Fantomi, and Mr. Mirsad Mirojević, he also emphasized the important role sport continues to play in helping mine victims strengthen both physical and mental wellbeing, while creating connection and positive example within the wider community.
Experience gained in Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to inform ITF’s work in other mine-affected contexts, including Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq.
As OKI Fantomi marks 30 years of activity, the club remains a powerful example of how sport can support long-term recovery, inclusion and community life. The Sarajevo Open continues to reflect this spirit, bringing together athletes and partners in a shared space of competition, respect and solidarity.