Open water swimmer Ion Lazarenco Tiron swam 30 kilometers on the Nistru River for eight and a half hours to promote the message of peace and children’s rights. “Swim for Peace: Swim for Children” is taking place in this year of the 30th anniversary of the Convention of the Rights of the Child (CRC) and on the eve of the International Friendship Day, IPN reports.
In a press release, UNICEF Moldova says the athlete started at six o'clock in the morning, near Jora de Mijloc, Orhei district, and arrived in the village of Molovata, Dubasari district. On the shore, the athlete was awaited by the 130 La La Play children choir that sang songs about peace.
“For our stability, we should understand that we need peace,” Ion Lazarenco Tiron said when completing the race. Asked if he will ever abandon open water swimming, he said he will continue all his life, noting peace starts from us as we owe to Earth.
“Sports and music can help stop intolerance and harassment, so that all children feel safe - at home, in school, and in the community. And there is no better way to invest in and build a peaceful future than by serving today’s children, as they are tomorrow’s leaders and decision-makers,” said UNICEF Moldova Country Representative Desiree Jongsma.
The CRC was adopted on November 20, 1989, with Moldova joining it in 1993, after this was ratified by Parliament. This means the national and local authorities and civil society should make common effort for the rights of all children in Moldova to be respected. It goes to the access to education, health, right to a family, violence-free environment, survival, right to opinion and free expression.
Ion Lazarenco is the only person on earth, who managed to swim through all seven channels from the first try. With his message of “Peace”, he truly provides hope for all children. He was declared Man of the Year 2018 by the World Open Water Swimming Association. At the start of this year, he was nominated as Moldova’s official candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize.
