Alka is unique jousting tournament in today's Europe, which takes place in the town of Sinj in the Split hinterland every August in tribute to a victory of local citizens who defeated the Ottoman forces in 1715. Alkars, lance-wielding horsemen dressed in traditional costume, match their skills as they target a metal ring ("Alka") suspended over a race track, during the tournament.
During today's meeting, Sanader commended the Alka Knights Society for having preserved and promoted this tradition for centuries, and added that the Alka tournament must be a guardian of true Croatian values and be free from the influence of politics.
The VAD chairman Stipe Jukic and Sinj Mayor Nikola Tomasevic thanked the Government for supporting VAD projects such as the construction of facilities for this society.
This year's three-day tournament is scheduled for the coming weekend with the finals being held on 6 August, Sunday. The event will be held under the auspices of President Stjepan Mesic.