The much talked about and eagerly awaited Premier Seven Day Bosnian Challenge organised by Monasterevin based charity
Rebuild for Bosnia took place recently in the stunning and beautiful country of Bosnia Herzegovina. The purpose of the event was to raise money to build another home for a family who were the victims of a horrendous war which took place there thirteen years ago and are presently living in a shack made from fiberglass and asbestos.

The challenge involved the participants initially having to fundraise to the tune of € 3,850.00 in order to participate. They were then physically assessed for the various events of the challenge anxiously anticipating the results. The excited and eager participants hailing from the four provinces of Ireland set off on their journey for their first destination of Dubrovnik situated on the breathtaking coast of Croatia.

With great gusto the group embraced their first challenge with a hefty mountain climb in Western Herzegovina. Day two comprised of a sight seeing tour of the old Ottoman city of Sarajevo. Over the next three days the real fitness and stamina levels of the participants was truly tested with a hike into the Bobovac Canyon which was the seat of the Bosnian Kings and Queens in the fourteenth century. The fascinating and recently discovered Bosnian Pyramids and the underground connecting three kilometers of tunnels was next up for exploring. When it came to walking the Rakitnica Canyon, home of the oldest and remotest village in Europe 3,600 ft high in the mountains, the endurance levels were well tested. Then finally a day of reprieve dawned when they rafted twenty three kilometers down the stunning Nerveta River Canyon with its rapids and fast flowing water through valleys untouched by commercialism or industry.

To their great credit their mission was accomplished. “It was a life changing experience for all the participants as it challenged each person in many different ways” says Tom Walsh, from Rebuild for Bosnia. “The scenery, views, the peace and tranquility coupled with the history of each location was both fascinating and riveting and far beyond what the participants had ever expected to encounter or experience” says Tom.

The Premier Seven Day Bosnian Challenge was without doubt a great success and those who participated have booked their places for 2009. Next year’s itinerary will include additional challenges Rebuild for Bosnia have identified and which will make the event more appealing, exciting and most of all challenging.
For more details contact Patricia or Tom on 045 532410.