Moldovan government proposes national swimmer for Nobel peace prize

Chisinau, 22 January /MOLDPRES/ –  The first man on the globe to cross the seven straits in the first attempt, Ion Lazarenco, will be proposed by the Government to Nobel Peace prize. The decision was announced today by Prime Minister, Pavel Filip, during a meeting with the athlete, which promotes peace and unity by means of swimming.

According to the government's communication and protocol department, the PM has congratulated him on his achievements, but also on the birthday he celebrates today. Pavel Filip offered the tricolor as a present and decorated him with the Diploma of Honour of the Government. The Premier also submitted the candidacy of Ion Lazarenco to be decorated with the Order of the Republic.

Pavel Filip especially appreciated that although it has been established for many years in Ireland, Ion Lazarenco has always hoisted the flag of Moldova, being an ambassador of our country abroad. According to a poll conducted in Ireland, over 350,000 people have learnt about Moldova as a result of the athlete's performance.

"I believe that your deeds speak for themselves, and we are compelled to appreciate the ones which bring the surplus value of the country. In fact, the first message that each of us must promote is the appreciation of Moldova. Maybe we do not like the leadership of the country, but the country we are obliged to love," specified PM.

At his turn, Ion Lazarenco has said that he is proud to be a citizen of Moldova, noting that each of us is obliged to do something to change things and build a prosperous country. In the context, the athlete specified that, being abroad for 23 years, he saw for the first time real changes and reforms implemented in Moldova, which bring visible results in more fields. "It would be better to swim an ocean than to work as much as the Government works," said Ion Lazarenco.

The athlete talked about his experience and the unusual moments during the crossing of the straits – he swam in extreme conditions near sharks, in waters with very low temperatures and strong currents.

Ion Lazarenco was declared: The best swimmer of Ireland for three consecutive years, becoming the first person on the globe to cross the seven straits in the first attempt. In 2018, the athlete was named The man of the year by the World Association of outdoor swimming.