Second Stage of the Open Championship in Sport Fishing for Athletes with Disabilities Concluded

The Open Championship in sport fishing among athletes with disabilities took place here.

The autumn morning welcomed the competition participants with a light, almost magical mist. Thick fog hovered over the water, obscuring the opposite shore, yet the weather surprisingly favored the fishermen: it was comfortable, quiet, and free of biting wind. Nature set the perfect stage for the day. Despite the early rise and fog, everyone’s mood was truly spirited. There was a special tension in the air, and each participant was focused solely on victory. However, the competition did not diminish the most important thing – a genuine love for nature and the ability to enjoy this beautiful, quiet morning by the water.

This year, 10 athletes took part, divided into two competitive groups:

• Athletes with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD);
• Athletes with visual impairments.

Organizers and participants were very hopeful that athletes with hearing impairments would join this year. Unfortunately, they couldn’t attend this time, but we sincerely hope to see them at the start next year!

The competition followed strict sport fishing rules. Participants had a standard 5 hours to catch fish. Rods were cast, and the quiet hunt began. The friendly atmosphere, the splashing water, and the focused looks of the athletes allowed everyone to fully enjoy their communion with nature and the process itself.

Exactly at 2:00 PM, the competition officially ended. Participants began weighing their catches, exchanging impressions, and preparing for the most exciting moment of the day – the award ceremony.

By tradition, after the intense fishing contest, all participants enjoyed a shared friendly lunch. This time was devoted not only to rest but also to lively communication, mutual support, and preparing for the event’s climax.

Following the two stages of the Open Championship, the strongest athletes were awarded. Among athletes with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD):

• Denis Makarov
• Vitaliy Slipchenko
• Dmitriy Golosnoy

Among athletes with visual impairments:

• Georgiy Cheban
• Matrena Nikolenko
• Evgeniy Nikolenko

In the team competition, the main trophy was rightfully claimed by the INODA «InvaLife» organization’s team, narrowly surpassing the SKI «Athletica» team by total fish weight after the two stages.

This latest championship was further proof that fishing is not just a hobby but a powerful tool for socialization, rehabilitation, and friendship. The event at La Kétrich gifted participants vivid emotions, new experiences, and confidence in their own abilities.

The organizers express their deep gratitude to all the athletes for their strength of spirit, endurance, and the example they set for each of us, as well as for their help in organizing and conducting the events.

• Ministry of Health of the PMR,
• Main Directorate for Emergency Situations of the PMR Interior Ministry,
• Ostrovok Recreation Center
• La Kétrich Tourist Recreation Zone
• Teplie Okna Company
• Rybaklyov Fishing Store

See you again on the banks of the Dniester!