More than 400 professional and amateur runners took part in the EU4Cahul Marathon: Run for YOUth. The novelty of the competition was the 2 km running distance, in addition to the 5 and 10 km distances. The marathon was organized within a program funded by the European Union and implemented by UNDP and UNICEF on the occasion of Europe Day 2024. Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova, said the marathon is more than a race. It’s a powerful platform for raising awareness and supporting child rights and youth engagement, IPM reports.
Maha Damaj noted that in many ways, UNICEF’s work for child rights is also a marathon - a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and unwavering commitment. “Today, I want to highlight the importance of supporting youth participation in community life. Young people are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are the leaders of today. Their voices, ideas, and perspectives are invaluable assets that must be heard and respected. By empowering young people to take an active role in shaping their communities, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and just society,” said the UNICEF Representative.
Magdalena Müller-Uri, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, said Europe Day is about and for the people. Today is a time to celebrate peace, unity, diversity, and cooperation across our continent. It reminds us of the importance of coming together, embracing our differences, and working towards a brighter future for all.
“I appreciate the contribution of the European Union and UNICEF to promote sport and wellness education through the Marathon and cultural actions in the context of the Europe Days celebration in Cahul. The European Union supports the municipality of Cahul through many programs, for which we are grateful. Cahul is the Cultural Capital and Youth Capital, and these actions and projects are essential for developing the potential in the whole region,” said Nicolae Dandiș, Mayor of Cahul.
At the finish line, each participant received a well-deserved medal, and 18 runners - children, women, and men with the best performances - received diplomas of merit, trophies, and vouchers to a sports shop. Also, during the event, visitors had the opportunity to get to know more closely the craftsmen, local businesses, and organizations that, with the support of the European Union, transform Cahul into a European city day by day. Participants had the opportunity to participate in games and educational and information activities. The celebration culminated towards the end of the day with a concert.
