“Swim to Freedom”/ Distance swimming challenge in Buna, in commemoration of the events of communism

2025-08-09 16:39:00, Qyteti im CNA

“Swim to Freedom”/ Distance swimming challenge in Buna, in

Six men and one woman chose to swim a distance of about 5 km to the confluence of the Buna River in memory of dozens of boys and girls who almost 4 decades ago swam under gun pressure, defying communism and crossing the border by swimming.

Organizer Kliti Hoti says that this is the second year that such an activity has been taking place, but that it aims to become a tradition.

"We did it this year too. It is a value for Shkodra, it is a pride and pleasure to organize this activity that shows respect in memory of those boys and girls who challenged communism and showed us that we must fight hard for freedom. Freedom is earned, not given and is not only a memory, but also a gratitude. We had participants from other cities in Albania and this shows a closeness. Even emigration nowadays can be a message even though the symbolism is different", said Hoti.

The participants were swimmers not only from Shkodra, but also from other cities. Excited, they say they gladly accepted the invitation to be part of a memory that should not be forgotten.

"No problem. I'm happy. The water was calm, the water currents favorable. I had a great time. For me, it's the first year that I've participated. For me, it was very emotional and my eyes filled with tears and when I was swimming, I kept thinking about the boys and girls who challenged communism. That story and this activity in their memory filled me with a lot of inspiration," said a participant.

"Relatively difficult because the conditions were good, but competitions are always difficult. It was more of a demonstrative activity in memory of the boys and girls who crossed the border at that time, risking their lives for freedom. Throughout the history of Albania, emigration has been an old wound and we always return to that old wound," said one of the participants.

"Very exciting swimming here as it was time to show the training we have done throughout the year. I want to thank all the swimmers who participated and gave us a beautiful day. For me it is the first time I have participated. A little tiring, but manageable. Some at that time in an attempt to escape have lost their lives and we commemorated them with this activity", said one of the swimmers of the challenge.

Isolated and under difficult conditions, dozens of boys and girls took the courage 39 years ago to cross the water to Montenegro. Some of them managed to escape and others were killed by the regime of the time. Today's activity was not only a tribute, but also a strong message to the younger generation, to remind them that freedom has a price. /CNA