MITROVICA, Kosovo (Dec. 29, 2014) -- What started as a challenge and teasing among friends on who is the strongest grew to a multinational strongman competition with 31 participants from six different countries and three different organizations.
Multinational Battle Group East Soldiers competed in European Union Rule of Law Mission, or EULEX, Special Police Department Olympics,or SPD, in Mitrovica, Dec. 18. Competitors from Italy, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, France and U.S. challenged themselves in eight different events, including bench press, 60-meter sprint, pull-ups, long jumps, dips, tire flip, kettle bell swing and 10x10 shuttle run.
Lithuanian police Capt. Ricardas Alzbergas, EULEX SWAT team operator, was the organizer of the event and participated in the competition.
"Today, we had the opportunity to try ourselves in eight different competitions, where they could test their physical capabilities to see how universal they are," said Alzbergas. "It is a challenge for you only to come and compete with the strongest."
Capt. Justin Knox, native of Sidney, Maine, and chief of operations for Multinational Battle Group-East won four out of eight events; including the long jump, 60-meter sprint, tire flip and the kettle bell swing.
"This was my first competition," said Knox. "I did not know what to expect until couple days ago; it was hard to prepare for, but it was very good event and fun."
"Tire flip was the hardest one, I almost passed out at the end," added Knox. "The 60-meter run was the easiest one, because it was really short."
Knox emphasized that more important than the competition was the good sportsmanship among the participants.
"I knew there were going to be a lot of organizations throughout Kosovo doing it, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet people," said Knox. "There were a lot of hugs and making friends today, and that is what I enjoyed the most."
Swiss Army Special Officer Capt. Sebastian Blaser, Kosovo Force liaison officer for EULEX Mitrovica, invited the Kosovo Force, or KFOR, soldiers to participate on SPD Olympics.
"As soon as I heard about the competition, I felt that if KFOR came here, we would broaden the field," said Blaser.
Blaser added that we [KFOR] rely on EULEX to establish the relationship with other units in Kosovo.
"Getting to know these guys at the personal level, like we did today, is a great help to establish a better relationship with them, and a better cooperation when we have to go back to work," continued Blaser.
Blaser emphasized that for him it was more than a competition, it was important seeing everybody bonding.
"I was hoping for this event to develop these kind of relationships, and I am really happy with the outcome," said Blaser.
Alzbergas said that the event went really fast and smoothly.
"I really appreciate all the people that helped me organize the event," said Alzbergas. "The referees did a wonderful job, assistants who were counting and writing the results and coordination staff that also did an amazing job."
Alzbergas explained that there is already a plan for SPD Olympics 2015 in the beginning of May.
"Everyone is welcome, today we had 31 participants, I hope next time we will have 60," said Alzbergas.
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