The Zimbrul Stadium in Chisinau hosted an exhibition game of rounders (oină), which is the national sport of Romania and the Republic of Moldova, as part of the Europe Day celebrations in the Republic of Moldova. The match involved the national rounders squad of Moldova and Moldova’s champion “Speranța” Nisporeni. Those attending could learn how to play rounders, IPN reports.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Romania together with the Delegation of the European Union in Chisinau, highlighting again the principle of unity in diversity typical of the EU.
Attending the event, the Head of the EU Delegation to Moldova Peter Michalko said that this is a special event that forms part of the series of events organized in the Republic of Moldova during a whole month and for him this is the first event of the kind this year.
“For us, it is important to have this possibility to support the cultural and sports traditions related to the people from all over Europe – life showing that we are all together. Together we are stronger and we are stronger when we know more about us. We are here with our traditions – European and national, in the spirit of the motto of the European Union “United in Diversity”. The rounders is a very good example. It is a traditional sports game in Romania and the Republic of Moldova, similar to other games known elsewhere,” stated Peter Michalko.
Romania’s Ambassador to Moldova Daniel Ioniță in his inaugural speech said the event is significant from a number of viewpoints, enumerating those European values, principles and traditions that unite the Romanians everywhere. The sports event signifies solidarity for health, together for a better future. “It is extremely important to underline once again by such games the traditional ties, brotherly connections that characterize the special relations between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. We all know that we have common values and speak the same language. We have common traditions and now also have a common sport – oina,” stated Daniel Ioniță.
The match was won by the national rounders squad of Moldova by 10:5.
The Rounders Federation of the Republic of Moldova was founded in January 2003. Rounders has been played at least since the 14th century, according to chronicles and charters, being mentioned in documents for the first time in 1364.
