19.01.2017.
MA cadet swam first to the Holy Cross
On the occasion of the great Christian holiday of Epiphany, the traditional 19th Swimming for the Holy Cross organized by Saint George’s Church, the municipality of Cukarica and the public company “Ada” has been held today on Ada Ciganlija in Belgrade.
Despite very cold weather, air temperature of -2 °C, water of 3 °C and biting wind, 60 contestants including the members of the Serbian Armed Forces, Gendarmerie, SVIBOR and three guests from the Russian Federation swam for faith, honour and prestige.
The most successful one in this venture that only the bravest dare to take part in, was Aleksa Dragas, a cadet of the 4th year of the Military Academy, who was the first to swim 33-metre long track, which symbolizes Jesus Christ’s age.
After the victory, Dragas emphasized that he was honoured to have a chance to swim as a member of the Serbian Armed Forces that is a cadet of the Military Academy.
“I am grateful to professors and trainers who have provided me with conditions for training and preparations for this contest, as well as colleagues who also swam today”, the future officer of the Serbian Armed Forces said.
The event on Lake Sava began with forming of the Epiphany procession in the Church of Saint George on Banovo Brdo, which came to Ada Ciganlija across the Sava embankment. There were 15 cadets of the Military Academy in the honorary escort of the procession.
The Epiphany Cross was presented to the winner by Bishop of Toplica Arsenije, and the winning cloak by Speaker of Cukarica Municipality Assembly Milan Stojic.
Defence Minister Zoran Djordjevic attended swimming for the Holy Cross at Sava promenade, where the association “Soko Savamala” organized the action.
Within Epiphany marking, the members of the Air Force and Air Defence participated in the processions in Zemun and Cacak, and members of the 204th and 98th Air Force Brigade, 250th Missile Brigade and 126th VOJIN Brigade took part in swimming for the Holy Cross on Zemun quay, Western Morava in Cacak and Stari Banovci.
Traditionally, members of the Serbian Armed Forces also participated in other events of swimming for the Holy Cross organized today throughout Serbia.
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