President Milanović at 26th Ladja Marathon on Neretva River, Presents Great Shield of Prince Domagoj to Winning Crew “Zagreb”
The President of the Republic Zoran Milanović attended the 26th Ladja Marathon on the Neretva River. Extending his congratulations to the winning crew members of the boat “Zagreb,” President Milanović presented them with gold medals and the Great Shield of Prince Domagoj, while the Small Shield for the first place finish was awarded by the President of the Neretva River Boatmen Association Luka Oršulić.
Prior to the start of the Ladja Marathon, President Milanović said in Metković that the event is dear to him because it brings people together in an apolitical atmosphere. “The gathering of people, the atmosphere and joy which are not political is important,” said President Milanović. He pointed out that he does not have a favourite to win the race, but also added that some crews have an advantage because they are better trained.
The Ladja Marathon, an amateur sports race of traditional boats [ladja] from the Neretva River valley, is held under the auspices of the President of the Republic. This year, the Ladja Marathon took on the character of a competitive event in every aspect, since 29 teams from the Neretva River Valley, many parts of Croatia and neighbouring countries participated.
The Ladja Marathon debuted in 1998 as part of events commemorating the Croatian Army’s “Zelena Tabla – Male Bare” military campaign. Today it is not only a unique cultural event but also a sort of “brand” of the Neretva Valley region and a valuable part of Croatia’s cultural heritage.
When the musket-bearing Dubrovnik Guard of Honour “Dubrovački Trombunjeri” signalled the start of the race from the river shore in Metković, numerous oarsmen embarked on the battle for the Great Shield of Prince Domagoj in their traditional boats on the 22-kilometre long race course from Metković to Ploče.
President Milanović observed the sports race from the deck of the command ship “Nada” as it sailed down the Neretva River to the finishing line in the port of Ploče. At the finishing line, silver and bronze medals were awarded. The Small Shield for the second place finish was presented to the crew of the boat “Slivno” and the Small Shield for the third place finish was bestowed upon the “Gusari” crew from Komin. The bronze medals and the Small Shield for the third place were presented by Dubrovnik-Neretva County Prefect Nikola Dobroslavić and the Mayor of Metković Dalibor Milan, while the silver medals and the Small Shield for the second place were presented by the Deputy Prime Minister of Physical Planning, Construction and State Assets and delegate of the Prime Minister Branko Bačić, and by the Mayor of Ploče Mišo Krstičević.
PHOTO: Office of the President of the Republic of Croatia / Filip Glas