20th annual Boat Marathon held on Neretva river

Zagreb - The 20th annual Boat Marathon on the Neretva river ended in Metković, southernmost Croatia on Saturday evening, an amateur sporting event in which rowers in traditional vessels row down a 22.5-kilometre-long stretch from Metković to the Bay of Ploče. The event ended with the award ceremony, also attended by Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković and Mate Granić as envoy of President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, the sponsor of the race. 

The main award -- The Domagoj Shield -- was presented to the Pirates from Komin crew by Jandroković who said the Boat Marathon on Neretva was exceptionally important for the Neretva region. "This year's marathon has confirmed the status of a cult event in this part of Croatia, namely in the Neretva region," he said.

According to Jandroković, the marathon reminds us of Croatia's rich history and tradition which helps promote the identity of the Neretva region and entire Croatia. Over the past 20 years, the Boat Marathon has developed a sporting, cultural and tourist character, becoming a beautiful tradition which brings together people from all over Croatia, Jandroković said. 

"In my opinion, the most important thing here is the celebration of Croatia's Neretva river tradition, the tradition of Neretva boats and victories throughout Croatia's rich history," he said, adding that the Boat Marathon was very important for Croatian identity and that it gave the Neretva river region added tourist value. (Hina)