This site is dedicated to Partizan (Belgrade, Serbia) and its beloved supporters "Grobari" the Undertakes,commonly known by their club colours as Black-n-Whites. It is dedicated to the extraordinary breed of supporters and the impact their devotion has had on the club. Grobari's unwavering devotion is echoed by one of their trade mark slogans:
"Za sve se navija, Partizan se voli - others are cheered for, Partizan is loved"
Sport is integral part of any society. Football for example, specifically its proliferation during early 20th century, has given people more than just a break from rigors of industrialized life. Common citizens' affinity with local clubs quickly became source of pride and regional cultural identity. Football was widely identified as a Social Protagonist of the 20th century. Partizan as a sport association including but not limited to: football, basketball, water-polo club, has had a similarly important effect on shaping regional Balkan culture. Nonetheless, what is interesting in this story is the converse impact that the Partizan's supporters Grobari have had and continue to have on Partizan.
Grobari - Players Exchange
(Grobari.NET)
Partizan has been a shining light in the grim, uncertain complex society amid major economic and cultural transition. Despite unfavorable circumstances, over the past decade and a half, Partizan has been managing to reach the top of the continent, either in club completions or with its youth academy standards. What is the system? Common North American Major League Sports knowledge would tell us that having the best players equates to good results; and best or even good players' values are dictated by the salary market. So, how is financially strapped underdog Partizan able to do this?
I spent 20 years living in North America, society that glamorizes sports as an avid sports fan appreciating individual and team sport successes and the impact they have on local population. I also lived in Russia and was raised in Belgrade former Yugoslavia as a "Grobar". This life path has allowed me to identify and appreciate the differences in professional team sports leagues. I have grown to enjoy both systems, that of North American Major League Sports (MLB,NBA,NHL,NFL,MLS & CFL, NCAA) and the FIFA's governed continental club football competition of Europe, South America and Asia.
With all of that said, I have come to believe that the Grobari's relationship with Partizan is unlike any in the world of sport. It is this dynamic of Grobari's devotion and players' dedication that has produced amazing results and athletes under difficult circumstances. I will attempt to articulate and to showcase what foreign journalists have called: "spiritual" - "mythical" - "religious" and "science fiction" like experiences while covering Partizan basketball and football matches. There are many clubs that are deeply entrenched in the regional culture and therefore with their supporters (Athletico Madrid, Barcelona, Liverpool, Boca Junior, Fenerbache, Panathinaikos, Real Madrid, River Plate). But this is not just a story of a club, it is more than that.This is a story of the impact the supporters have on their club, that has become a brand, hope and pride of the entire country.