Vasyl Virastiuk, “OKKO” and “Staryi Lev Publishing House” jointly presented a book devoted to a legendary ‘man of muscle’ Ivan Firtsak

Zakarpattya. Vasyl Virastiuk, “OKKO” and “Staryi Lev Publishing House” jointly presented a book devoted to a legendary ‘man of muscle’ Ivan Firtsak - «Incredible adventures of Ivan the Power, the strongest man in the world”.
The presentation of the book was held in Ivan Firtsak’s native village of Bilky (Irshava district).
The initial event was the meeting with schoolchildren and locals of “heroic” village.
“Most importantly that young readers will be pleased with superb example after reading the book”, - said Vasyl Virastiuk, - And such example is relevant not only to sports but to other daily activities. Reaching one’s aim means challenging difficulties, drawbacks or even overcoming losses and defeats. Though, if there is the faith and endeavour, any of us can make any dream come true. After the meeting, the guests visited village cemetery, and Vasyl Virastiuk paid tribute to his legendary predecessor by putting flowers on the grave. Walking back, the guest visited the workshop owned by sculptor Mykola Hleb, where the craftsman worked on Ivan Firtsak’s sculpture. Right afterwards, Vasyl Virastiuk pictured some details of the sculpture, and made photo session.
It is worthy to note that a ‘man of muscle’ Ivan Firtsak, known as Ivan the Power or Krotona, is a hero of numerous legends, songs, stories and facts. The US press once named Ivan Firtsak as the strongest man of the 20th century, and Britain’s box champion John Jackson had jumped out of window after a defeat to the Ukrainian athlete. A British Queen personally honoured “Kroton” with helm and belt rich in gold and diamonds. Interestingly, after the world acclaim, Ivan Firtsak had returned to his native village in Zakarpattya, where he had lived with his wife and eight children and continued to perform on professional stage, coach his disciples and astonish the local with his incredible mightiness.
“It is great delight that namely our grandfather had launched this series, - pointed out Ivan Firtsak, a grandson of a legendary sportsman, who is, by the way, a boxing champ of Ukraine, - it is also a pleasure to have a book written by our native Oleksandr Havrosh, and such solid promotion by another legend from Prykarpattia Vasyl Virastiuk. Hope, the series will soon contribute a book to his success as well”.