OREANDA-NEWS. President of Latvia Raimonds Vējonis thanked everyone, who inspired fellow people for an active lifestyle by their own example, while awarding the State President’s Prize in athletics to the best athletes and teams at the Riga Castle on October 6.

“This summer, although in more autumn-like conditions, athletes got high-quality results: they both qualified for the Olympic Games and outclassed the current records of the competition. Thank you that you provided wonderful and emotional moments to your supporters, fans, and loved ones,” said the President of Latvia.

Raimonds Vējonis welcomed the fact that the State President's Prize in athletics has become an annual competition in sporty and dynamic Valmiera. He thanked the organizers: Valmiera City Council, Vidzeme Olympic Centre and the Latvian Athletic Association, as well as sponsors, who help to keep the tradition of the competition alive and strong.

The President of Latvia wished strength to the athletes in their further training and unfailing will on their path to conquering new peaks in sports.

During the event, Raimonds Vējonis awarded the State President's Prize for the top score in individual assessment to race walker Agnese Pastare (Latvia) and disc thrower Gerd Kanter (Estonia). In its turn, the State President's Prize for the top score team among men was awarded to the Latvian athletic national team, whereas among women – to the Lithuanian national team.

The competition for the State President’s Prize was held from June 10 to 11 this year at J. Daliņš Stadium in Valmiera.