BOOK PROMOTED ABOUT THE GREAT BANJA LUKA SPORTS JOURNALIST

The book "This is How Limun Papic Wrote" by authors Tatjana Papic-Džakula and Željko Tica was promoted at the Banja Luka Sports Hall "Borik".

PHOTO: Velibor Tripić

For over 50 years, Limun Papic, the longtime editor of the sports section and journalist of "Glas Srpske", wrote about the greatest successes of Banja Luka sports, leaving an indelible mark with his texts. Articles about these achievements, as well as charming stories and anecdotes through which athletes passed, constitute the main content of the book.

For author Tatjana Papic Džakula, the promotion was very emotional. She tearfully thanked everyone who came. "All of you tonight are part of the Papic family. My father would be proud to see this," Tatjana emphasized.

Co-author Željko Tica collaborated with Limun Papic for many years and learned the best of journalism from him.

"Football legends like Messi, Maradona, all the best, wore the number 10 on their backs. Limun Papic was a ten in sports journalism, unique and irreplaceable. A brilliant journalist, an even better friend and person. He always had a kind word for everyone. I started writing books at his urging. And on the first book, he signed me even though I hadn't written a single letter, and in the dedication, he wished for me to continue writing. And here, this is the 20th book, and I'm glad to see all of you because this proves that you haven't forgotten Limun Papic. I thank everyone who helped publish this book, especially the publisher Glas Srpske and Neven Kopanja, who immediately said everything was finished and that he would help us at the first meeting," said Željko Tica, who noted that Banja Luka, unfortunately, forgot its sports legends and that it only takes a little effort and will to remember the greatest successes.

Legendary basketball player Slađana Golić received the text "Walking Monument" from Limun Papic.

And it was her address that was the most emotional. "I first entered the Borik Hall in 1977. Already in 1980, we played against the Yugoslav selection preparing for the European Championship. Limun approached me after the match and said that if I continued to play and train like this, I would quickly find myself in the national team. And that's exactly what happened. He encouraged us with advice, and when he criticized, he did so in a way that no one took offense," recalled Slađana.

Limun Papic was an encyclopedia of Banja Luka sports. Over more than 50 years of work, he collected an archive and followed all the greatest successes. Reviewer Brane Božić spoke with carefully chosen words about the doyen of sports journalism. "When we founded the Journalists' Association, it was somewhat natural for number one to be awarded to Limun. Simply put, that gentlemanly attitude, brilliant texts, and comradely relationship set him apart. Mone was unique, and young journalists should look up to him," said Božić.

This promotion is also part of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Borik Sports Hall, and Limun Papic was a member of the organizing committee for its construction. "The Borik Sports Hall celebrates half a century, and Mr. Papic was one of the initiators for its construction. He often emphasized that this is the Banja Luka Temple of Sport and that we strive for it to be better every year. We are extremely pleased that this promotion was organized in our hall and as part of the anniversary celebration," said Nenad Talić, director of the Borik Sports Center.

Limun Papic was not only an excellent editor but also a mentor to numerous young journalists. His advice is still remembered.

"Limun Papic left an indelible mark on sports journalism in Republika Srpska. There was no colleague who started working at 'Glas' without our Mone having advice for him. In addition, he was one of the initiators of numerous events and actions that still exist today, such as the Choice of the Top Ten Athletes of Republika Srpska, and it will reach its 70th edition. This shows what vision he had, and Glas Srpske is proud to be the publisher and to have repaid our Mone in this way," said Darko Dragičević, sports editor of "Glas Srpske".

The space where the promotion was held was full of former and current athletes, sports workers, public figures, former employees of "Glas", and they are the best proof of the legacy Limun Papic left behind.