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SPORT
December 28, 1999
 Owner of the first ball: Dragica Popovic |
The first basketball ball was brought to Serbia from the US in 1924 by William Willand, a representative of the Salvation Army. Willand came to Belgrade to introduce the official rules of basketball to the Belgrade teachers and professors. Serving as an interpreter, Dragica Popovic from the Belgrade Red Cross, escorted the guest.
The hosts were highly interested in this visit. A lot of curious people who wanted to get acquainted with this game, completely unfamiliar to them, attended Mr. Willand's seminars.
As a gesture of appreciation and high esteem, Mr. Willand gave Mrs. Popovic, who escorted him during his short visit to Serbia, a basketball ball. According to all historical evidence, this was the first basketball ball in Serbia.
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