Athletes Row to say “No” to Drugs

A men’s eight, stroked by 2001 World Championships silver medallist, Nikola Stojic, rowed 56 km down the Sava and the Danube rivers as a start to an anti-drug campaign aimed at the Yugoslav youth.

The campaign, launched by the Serbian government and the Ministry of sport, is entitled “Play for Life – Drugs No” and is aimed to encourage children to a healthy way of life by practising sport.

Stojic and his partner in the medal winning men’s pair Djordje Visack are acting as promoters of the initiative and along with the Yugoslav rowing federation organised the October 18^th long distance row.

“It was a great feeling to row and promote our sport and to say no to drugs” said Stojic of the experience.

The Yugoslav rower stroked the eight, that was made up of junior and under 23 rowers, from Belgrade to Smederevo in 3 hours and 34 minutes as school children cheered from the sides.

“I am glad that I had the chance to lead three rowing generations. Hopefully a clear message was sent to the kids and what they should do with their lives” he said.

Other Yugoslav athletes, including volleyball, basketball and waterpolo champions, have chosen to join the rowers in their action against drugs.

Billboards displaying the message have be posted around the cities in Serbia and all the athletes participating in the campaign will be visiting schools and appearing on television programmes to spread their word.