The Regatta of Memory completed a series of events dedicated to the anniversary of the Bendery tragedy. Veterans and the younger generation of athletes involved in rowing have taken to the water for the 24th time in memory of those who gave their lives for the independence of the republic. Masters of sports of the USSR rowers Andrei Bunin, Yuri Gladkov and Vyacheslav Malchukov - their names are forever written not only in the history of rowing, but also in the chronicle of the Pridnestrovian Moldavian Respublic.
Addressing the participants of the event, the President noted that the regatta, which has become a good tradition, is held not only in memory of the rowing athletes, but also of all the Pridnestrovian defenders. “I am glad that young athletes are standing next to rowing veterans - this is the link between generations. It should not be interrupted, therefore it is necessary to transfer the memory of our compatriots to the younger generation”, said Vadim Krasnoselsky.
Ludmila Malchukova, the widow of the deceased hero also welcomed the athletes. She thanked the rowers for the attention and preservation of the memory of her spouse and all the dead defenders, which is expressed, according to the resident Bendery, not only by participating in the regatta, but also by numerous sporting achievements.
According to tradition, the place of the start of the Regatta of Memory was the Bendery rowing base “Chaika” (sea-gull). 53 rowers of 11 crews came to the water. Repeated participant of the memorable event are Candidate Master of Sports of the USSR in rowing, Honorary President of the PMR Rowing Federation Vadim Krasnoselsky. Today, together with the President, his wife Svetlana Krasnoselskaya took the water in a double pair.
In memory of those killed in the days of the Bendery tragedy, the city was filled with siren sounds and metronome beats. Bendery stood still for a minute - a minute of memory. Wreaths and a scattering of fresh flowers, lowered into the water by participants of the regatta, became a symbol of gratitude.
Overcoming the 12-km route along the water surface of the Dniester, the crews arrived at the Yunost camp (Mereneshty village). All participants were awarded diplomas. Concluding the event, the PMR President Vadim Krasnoselsky said that Pridnestrovie will live peacefully and develop freely. It was this right that defenders of the republic defended 27 years ago. The President said that today he was fortunate enough to congratulate the mothers of nine newborn residents of Bendery and nearby villages - Pridnestrovians, who were born in independent Pridnestrovie. They were born and will live under peaceful sky, emphasized Vadim Krasnoselsky, drawing attention to the fact that today, during the regatta, at first the peaceful sky mourned the dead, then it was lit by the sun’s rays of a happy present and bright future.
