In the tourist spot of Shiroka, on the edge of the largest lake in the Balkans, that of Shkodra, amateur athletes from Albania, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia joined today in the 11th edition of the “Labeat Triathlon”, which unites in one sport of swimming, cycling and running. Organized by “Shkodra Sport”, this year’s edition is dedicated to the fight for the prevention of breast cancer as well as the promotion of the touristic values of Lake Shkodra, which is shared between Albania and Montenegro.
The young Liljana Idrizaj was among about 70 competitors today in the triathlon held at the tourist point of Shiroka. Although a tough race, she says she insisted on taking part to convey an important message to all women and girls.
“I participated for many reasons; not only for the part of the campaign against breast cancer, but also for the part of sports, Novartis, Shkodra, the history of the city, the family. Also to give a message that sport is what makes us live healthier and prevent cancer”.
Today’s races, held in the tourist spot of Shiroka, only 7 kilometers from the city of Shkodra, were also supported by “Europa Donna Albania”, an organization that, according to its leader Donjeta Zeqa, helps women and girls diagnosed with breast cancer. .
“It is very important that physical activities are always present in the lives of girls and women, especially those diagnosed with breast cancer. As an organization we always place importance on doing as much physical activity and healthy living as possible”.
Among the athletes from the region, in the activities developed today at the tourist point of Shiroka, there was also a group of athletes from Gjakova, who appreciate not only the messages of the activity, but also the tourist values of the Shkodra Lake shore.
“I am Bestrim Vula, I come from Gjakova, club “Gjakova 137”. It is the third time we participate in the “Labeat Triathlon” in Shkodër. This time it was even more important because we will support women in the fight against breast cancer. That’s why we made this competition. We are quite satisfied with the organization, with the hospitality of the Albanians of Albania and we will always support them and be supporters of this race”.
The shared lake of Shkodra, which is shared between Albania and Montenegro, is one of the important tourism destinations in the region. With the diversity of the natural ecosystem, but also the many activities and tourist spots along the coast, it attracts tourists in all seasons of the year.
“As many sports, music, etc. activities as possible. This is in my opinion the Achilles heel. In my opinion, the border points should be opened, especially here in the village of Zogaj, to make it possible for pedestrians and bicycles to pass. We must use the common lake jointly also in terms of sports”.
In an effort to cooperate for the development of tourism in the common Shkodra Lake, Albania and Montenegro have agreed to open a new border crossing point near the village of Zogaj, this crossing point, which is expected to facilitate communication along the coast of the lake.