Ohrid running weekend 2020 project was realized in the period from 27th till 30th of August 2020. The limitations due to the measures and protocols imposed by the Government in managing the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t allow the usual number of participants in the Ohrid Trcat Running Weekend, but those who registered and took a leap of faith, had many reasons to enjoy.
However, the special guests from Mostar, Bosnia and Hercegovina, and Tirana, Albania, partners in the project, literally enjoyed all the benefits and natural beauties that Ohrid and Ohrid Lake have to offer. The delegations, a part of the WBF supported activities, arrived on August 27th (Thursday) and immediately became actively involved in the organization of the events and participating in the workshops designed within the project. During the two workshops, the three project partners had the opportunity to get to know each other, learn from each other and exchange experiences and good practices for organizing similar event in the future. Their free time was used for networking while sight-seeing in the old town with a professional tour guide, a boat trip to the St. Naum Monastery, The Bay of the Bones Water Museum and taking some memorable photos off the Armada boat and the picturesque sceneries.
‘What I have seen and experienced in Ohrid is truly memorable and worth telling. Compliments to the organizers and everyone who participates in the organization of ‘Ohrid Trcat’ – stated Mr. Ivan Skaramuca, the team leader from Mostar.
The Albanian delegation was additional successful in the 5K race. Ms. Ejona Cufe won the third place and walked on stage to receive the bronze medal.
Cufe told us ‘An excellent race and experience. I was prepared, but I didn’t expect a medal and such success in Ohrid. I gave my best and I am happy that the medal was the cherry on the top of an extraordinary weekend!’
‘Ohrid trcaT’ is one of the four projects supported by the Western Balkan’s Fund in North Macedonia. The number one sports event in Ohrid definitely lived up to the expectations’ said Mr. Mario Ringov, WBF’s program and financial manager. He reiterated that such sport events are more than necessary in Ohrid and in the country, and that ‘Ohrid trcaT’ was attractive for us as a donor organization with its competitive nature, but also its educational impact and the nurturing of the people to people links . ‘Today I could witness it all by myself, good job Ohrid Trcat team!’ concluded Mr. Ringov.
Special recognition goes to the volunteers that gave impeccable charm and value to the event. They assisted in the organization, were boosting the atmosphere by cheering and motivating the contestants with creative boards and paroles and actively supported the project partners during all times.
WBF’s commitment and support, and the efforts of the project partners to organize a sport event during a global pandemic and under very strict and limiting protocols, proved that with a well thought and serious approach in the project implementation, even during this unprecedented times, regional projects and people to people links is still a possibility. In fact, Ohrid Trcat and the partners paved the way for continuation of the collaboration by mutual participation on the forthcoming events that will be organized by the partners from, Mostar and Tirana, in September in their respective countries.
Story by: Mihail Postolovski
Photo by: Nina Angeloska Source: https://www.ohridnews.com/foto-galeri-a-nezaboraven-sportski-vikend-na-gostite-od-wbf-proektot-vo-ohrid/?fbclid=IwAR1uHWAIlkz5Jf7nsSnuJhNZH8eL_nTDuaoU9qgjJktQl-6_zih8QtrM008
