DRAGOSLAV ŠINIK ROWING FROM BELGRADE TO GRADIŠKA TO RAISE FUNDS FOR A NEW VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

BRČKO, SEPTEMBER 9 /SRNA/ - Dragoslav Šinik, president of the Gradiška Association for Assistance to People with Intellectual Disabilities, has arrived in Brčko, rowing an oak boat upstream along the Sava River from Belgrade as part of a humanitarian journey to Gradiška aimed at raising funds to purchase a new van to transport children with developmental disabilities.

Šinik, who embarked on this extraordinary humanitarian undertaking on August 25 from Belgrade, has covered half of the planned route, which is 478 kilometers in total. In Brčko, he was welcomed by representatives of the local Plavi Svijet Association and the X Centar Citizens’ Association, who provided him with support and logistical assistance on the water.

According to Šinik, his choice of an oak boat weighing more than 600 kilograms and a traditional ash oar symbolizes tradition and perseverance, as well as his desire for the message about the need for solidarity and breaking down prejudices to reach all municipalities and towns along the Sava River basin.

“I am the father of a 27-year-old son with cerebral palsy. Through the work of our association and the organization of international gatherings called ‘We Are All Part of You,’ I realized how important support and a sense that they are not alone are for children and their parents. Our existing vehicle travels hundreds of kilometers every day to the Day Center and is due for replacement, which is why we launched this humanitarian campaign,” Šinik said.

He recalled that as part of the campaign, the “M:tel” humanitarian phone number 1434 will be active until September 30; with each call, citizens donate two KM toward the purchase of a new specialized vehicle.

Igor Miličević of the X Centar Citizens’ Association, who himself joined the rowing on the most challenging section through Brčko, emphasized that this was a historic undertaking on the Sava River that deserved the full support of the community.

Alisa Hodžić, president of the Brčko-based “Plavi svijet” Association, emphasized that Šinik’s undertaking carries a powerful message for all families facing similar challenges.

Šinik plans to complete the entire route to the picnic area in the village of Gašica near Gradiška within 30 to 40 days, depending on weather conditions and water levels.