First Rafting Regatta 'Zrmanja 2006'

The Zrmanja River hosted today the first Croatian rafting regatta 'Zrmanja 2006', where all participants have to pass the 14.5 km long passage Mlini-Žagar-Berberov kuk.

The whole ride is supposed to lasts for 2-3 hours. The Regatta counts 36 crews, including the one presenting the Government, headed by the Minister of the Sea, Tourism, Transport and Development Božidar Kalmeta.

Besides Kalmeta, other ministers participating in the event are Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, Petar Čobanković, Berislav Rončević and Ivica Kirin.

'Today we are saving petrol. Although I feel much saver on the road, I believe that we will manage just fine. We decided that Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, as the only female participant in our boat, should sit in the middle for safety reasons and that Petar Čobanković should remain in the rear part of the boat to help keep up the balance', explained Božidar Kalmeta before the start.

It is the Regatta's role to promote active forms of tourism in Croatia as well as rafting, in general. It is also important to present the Zadar hinterland which is a very attractive area offering many natural beauties. (Hina)