The 21st edition of Boat Marathon on the Neretva river began in Metkovic, southernmost Croatia on Saturday afternoon, with 26 teams participating in this year's amateur sporting event in which groups of 10 rowers in traditional vessels row down a 22.5-kilometre-long stretch from Metkovic to the Bay of Ploce.
In attendance at this year’s event were President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, under whose auspices the contest was staged, as well as some other senior officials, including lawmakers and cabinet ministers.
In her opening address, President Grabar-Kitarovic praised the participants for embracing the national heritage stemming from the first Croatian rulers in the 9th century. She also said underscored the recent success of the national football team that became a world vice-champion, and said that the example of the footballers led by coach Zlatko Dalic should be followed in today’s race when it came to stamina and competitive spirit.
Lawmaker Branko Bacic, who was the parliament speaker’s envoy, thanked the local authorities and residents for the organisation of the regatta.
“I especially thank the organisers of the Neretva Boat Marathon for placing Neretva vessels in the focus of interest of the entire Croatia, and this race is becoming more and more important sporting and cultural event,” Bacic said.
Addressing the event on behalf of Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, Defence Minister Damir Krsticevic said that he was happy to see a rising number of foreign and local visitors attending the regatta.
“Our people have survived and managed to preserve their identity through centuries, and this event, launched 20 years ago, is becoming a part of our tradition and heritage as well as an important tourist attraction,” the minister said.
He said that a team of Croatian marine corps would participate in the race next year. The winner of the race will receive the Domagoj Shield in Ploce later tonight. The trophy is in the form of a shield used by the Duke of Domagoj who reigned over Croatia from 864 until his death in 876.
