Report on the WBGL Balkan Tour - 2003

The World Bodyguard League Balkan Tour 2003 took place in Chisinau, from 9th to 12th of October, under the patronage of Mr. Vasile TARLEV - Prime Minister of the Republic of Moldavia. The opening ceremony was held in the Exposition Centre "Moldexpo", in the same time with the opening of the traditional exhibition "Security 2003". The inauguration ribbon was cut by the Moldavian Prime Minister, Mr. Vasile TARLEV and by the President of the National Bodyguard Association of Russia, Mr. Dmitry N. FONAREFF. After the opening the VIP guests - government members, ambassadors and security chiefs who were present at the event - visited the exhibition. The rector of the Security Academy of Moscow also honoured the Balkan Tour with his presence.

Mr. Ion SECRIERU - Country Representative of IBSSA for Moldavia, President of the National Bodyguard Association of Moldavia and main arbiter of the tour - gave the start to six teams from four countries (Russia, Moldavia, Armenia, Romania). In the morning of the first day, the bodyguards demonstrated the operative tactic of VIP guarding (in case of pistol attack, bomb on their route, vehicle stop, etc.). In the second part of the day, the competition "Technical-operative checking of the vehicle and of the room" took place. The second day the bodyguards showed their abilities in Extreme Medicine (carrying of the wounded people, first-aid) and in fast vehicle driving. In the third day the attendees demonstrated the hand-to-hand fight. A shooting competition (International Shooting Standard "Top 9") and a mini-duel also took place this day.

The official Government Guard of Russia - "ALFA Team" - became the winner and gained the 1st place during the competition.

During the event the participants enjoyed some trips to the well-known Moldavian underground cellars "Cricova" and "Milestii Mici". In the days following the competitions, the bodyguards took part at the "National Wine Feast of the Republic of Moldavia".

Dr. Constantin BUZATU, KCM - 2nd Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, Country Representative of IBSSA for Romania gave a brief report on this event and admitted, that the next Balkan Tour will be organised in September 2004 in Sibrice / ROMANIA. The name of the event will be: "DRACULA" and the organisers are IBSSA Romania and the IBSSA International Organising Committee.

In consideration of the forthcoming IBSSA Congress, which will be held between 28 - 30 November 2003 in Budapest / HUNGARY when elections of IBSSA officials will take place, Dr. Constantin BUZATU made a proposal to appoint Mr. Ion SECRIERU - Country Representative of IBSSA for Moldavia again. He also reported that some representatives of the Romanian TV and other media would attend the IBSSA Congress in Hungary.

Dr. Constantin BUZATU, KCM - 2nd Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, Country Representative of IBSSA for Romania also reported about the result, that in a short time a cooperation contract will be signed between IBSSA Romania and the Romanian Police Department.

Mr. Dmitry N. FONAREFF - President of the National Bodyguard Association of Russia expressed his intentions to establish and start a mutual cooperation with IBSSA.

30th October 2003
IBSSA HQ