Yesterday, the hall of Hotel “Venec” in Debar hosted an exceptional event that brought together sport, spirituality, and life wisdom. Guided by the idea that sport is not merely physical strength but a purification of the “temple of the body,” five elite athletes shared their intimate stories of success, setbacks, and indomitable will.
The event opened with a strong and inspiring address to the audience, which included the President of the Municipal Council of Debar, Mr. Afrim Kerkuti. In his remarks, he emphasized the firm commitment of the local authorities to supporting sports clubs and fostering the development of a vibrant youth sports culture in the city.
Respect for the sporting greats was also expressed by numerous representatives of local government, distinguished professors, presidents and coaches of sports clubs, as well as representatives of the Bigorski Brotherhood and the Rajchica Sisterhood, among them Archimandrite Dositej, representing His Grace Bishop of Antania, Mr. Partenij, whose presence endowed the event with a broader spiritual and social dimension.
The emotionally charged panel discussion traced the journeys of five outstanding figures:
Edina Musa spoke about her remarkable transformation from NCAA basketball courts to the pinnacle of world bodybuilding. She highlighted the importance of family support and mental resilience when returning to competition after motherhood, conveying the message that the roles of mother and professional athlete are not mutually exclusive but complementary.
Alpinist Irina Kamiloska drew a parallel between the harsh landscapes of the Himalayas and what she calls “the most demanding expedition”—motherhood. She emphasized that fear in the mountains is overcome through calmness, and that the true meaning of success is achieved through complete self-giving to new life roles.
She also shared her mission, which has already grown into a genuine movement: encouraging dozens of mothers with their babies to climb Mount Vodno almost daily. Through this endeavor, Irina demonstrates that an active lifestyle and an adventurous spirit do not end with parenthood; rather, they acquire a new and even nobler purpose, inspiring young women to remain active and not to abandon their dreams.
Puleksenija Jovanovska, the Olympian who placed Macedonian karate on the global map, explained how the discipline of kata—perfection in motion—translates into leadership within the Olympic Committee. Her decision to remain in North Macedonia and to fight for equal representation of men and women in sport was met with strong applause.
Berat Jakupi, the four-time European champion, shared the key to sustained excellence. He drew a powerful parallel between sport, the transmission of athletic skills to the younger generation, and politics, emphasizing that karate values—patience and self-discipline—are essential for societal progress and for building a system that produces medalists.
Haris Beqiri, whose Everesting achievement (climbing the equivalent height of Mount Everest in a single continuous effort) captivated the audience, conveyed mountaineering philosophy as a lesson for the young. As an educator, he stressed that the mountain is a metaphor for life, where perseverance is the key to discovering one’s own purpose.
Throughout the discussion, the panelists answered questions that delved deeply into their personal lives—from how one “negotiates” with the mind when the body fails, to the importance of team and family in individual success.
“We saw that each of us carries our own ‘Everest’ within. We saw that a fall is not defeat, but preparation for a new ascent. When the body grows weary, it is the spirit that carries us to the goal,” was emphasized in the closing remarks.
The panel discussion in Debar concluded with a message to younger generations: not to chase quick success and fleeting trends, but to focus on perseverance, integrity, discipline, and character-building.
This event, organized by the Rajchica Association and entitled “Leading by Personal Example,” which brought together athletes, clergy, and citizens in one place, demonstrated that Debar knows how to recognize and celebrate true values, leaving a spark of courage in every person present in the hall of Hotel “Venec.”
