MIRKO KECMAN - WINNER OF THE BALKANA GRASS-MOWING COMPETITION

MRKONJIĆ GRAD, JULY 4 /SRNA/ – Mirko Kecman from Bosanski Petrovac won first place in manual grass mowing at the traditional Days of Mowing at Balkana – Lazar Laketa Memorial event, which gathered 20 mowers from Republika Srpska, the Federation of BiH, and Serbia.

Kecman told the press that winning at Balkana requires both luck and effort, as the competition is strong. Second place went to Milorad Sladojević from Mrkonjić Grad, while third place was taken by Nedeljko Kerlec from Novi Sad–Janj. Before the competition began, a memorial service was held and flowers were laid at the memorial to Lazar Laketa, a former European champion in manual mowing and the founder of this event. This year, 15 boys aged nine to 12 also took part in mowing, having completed a mowing school at Balkana. All participants received diplomas, medals, and certificates of appreciation. The event began with a parade of mowers, featuring folk dancers in traditional costumes from Serbia, North Macedonia, and Mrkonjić Grad. In addition to the mowing competition with scythes, participants also competed in long jump, arm wrestling, log balancing, and stone throwing, as well as for the title of “Delija,” won by Nebojša Spasojević from Ljig. Spasojević said that this award means a lot to him because he considers it prestigious, since, as he pointed out, the competitions are attended by nothing but “knights” who must be defeated, meaning that one has to achieve a good result in all disciplines. In the team competition, first place went to the Janj–Novi Sad team, second to a team from Han Pijesak, and third to the First Scythe of Grmeč from Bosanski Petrovac. In the veterans’ category, first place went to Milorad Sladojević from Mrkonjić Grad, second to Đuro Kerkez from Novi Sad, and third to Drago Bogosavac from Serbia. Winners received cash prizes, mowing tools, trophies, and diplomas. The mayor of Mrkonjić Grad, Dragan Vođević, told the press the event is highly significant for both local residents and visitors, as well as for people who visit this local community and the Balkana area. “Our duty is to preserve tradition, nurture it, and pass it on to future generations. Therefore, we did our best to organise competition for the first time this year for our boys as a legacy for future mowers at the Balkana Mowing Competition,” said Vođević. Members of the Mrkonjić Grad People Association from Belgrade also supported the event, with member Dragan Stojičić saying they come every year to attend the mowing festival. Stojičić noted that the association, which has 700 members, was founded in 1983 to preserve the traditions of their hometown. This year’s event was of sports character, without additional programme due to the Day of Mourning declared in Republika Srpska. The previous evening, the 20th mowing folklore showcase was held at the Srpska Vojska Square, opening the Days of Mowing at Balkana – Lazar Laketa Memorial programme. The event was supported by the newly established Tourism Organisation of Mrkonjić Grad and organised by the Economic Development Agency, under the patronage of the municipality.