As part of the Tirana Marathon, Mayor Erion Veliaj chose to come forward with a motivational message on social media, placing the focus on perseverance in the face of difficulties and the idea of not giving up until the finish.
Veliaj’s post on marathon day
According to the post he made public, Veliaj addressed participants in the Tirana Marathon with a call not to stop in the face of obstacles.
The message published by the mayor presents the race not simply as a sporting activity, but also as a metaphor for confronting challenges along one’s personal journey.
The message articulated on social media
In the text he shared, he says there are moments when circumstances push you to stop, but willpower brings you back to the reason you started.
Further on, in the same message, the emphasis is placed on the idea that what matters is not only reaching the finish, but also refusing to give up along the way.
A sporting event, but also a stage for political communication
Veliaj’s appearance with such a message at an event with public resonance shows once again that sporting events are often used by local officials as a space for public communication and image-building.
In this case, there are no other announcements beyond the motivational message, while the focus of the communication remains on the symbolism of perseverance and finishing the race.
The Tirana Marathon was thus also used as a moment for public messages, beyond the sporting dimension of the event.
So far, Veliaj’s reaction is limited to this post in motivational tones, shared on social media.