Invalid Vinko Čolak from Ljubuški, cares for 200 beehives in a seated position

Vinko Čolak is one of the best beekeepers in Ljubuški, even though he is almost one hundred percent disabled, writes BH News Agency Patria.

That strong will is one of the most important things for success in life, as shown by the example of beekeeper Čolak, who, despite being almost one hundred percent disabled and unable to move independently without the help of orthopedic aids, still manages to care for 200 beehives on his own. And not only that. With this number of bee colonies, Čolak not only ranks among the largest beekeepers in the south of the country, but he is also one of the best beekeepers.

- When you have a strong will, you can achieve anything in life – Čolak tells Patria.

Vinko next to his beehives

Fate wanted him to fall from his brother's house about thirty years ago and injure his spine. For a while after that, he was bedridden, but he realized that he could change his fate if he was persistent.

- I found the cure in bees – says Čolak, who is known as Gazda Vinko in Ljubuški and its surroundings.

- I started with a few beehives first, and then I increased their number every year. Today I have about 200 bee colonies. Bees are my life. I could give up everything in life, but not them – he says.

Čolak hires auxiliary workers only when the bee pasture season is in full swing. Then he calls young men from the neighborhood to help him load and unload the beehives from the van. Čolak does everything else himself.

- I sit on a chair next to the beehive and perform the beekeeping procedures that are necessary at that moment. Then I move with the chair to the next beehive. I might work slower than other beekeepers, but certainly not less effectively – says Čolak.

This hardworking beekeeper moves his bees all over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He has currently taken them to Šujica near Livno. He also sells honey all over the country, as well as abroad. He has received many domestic and international awards for the quality of his honey, writes Patria.