Dear athletes and sports friends,
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you to the Riga Castle. I am doubly happy to welcome you because this is the moment when I finally get to meet you in person and congratulate you on your achievements. Out of all my presidential duties that I have as the President of Latvia, the most uplifting moments are when I meet those who have achieved excellence – masters of their craft who also have achieved tremendous results.
Athletics include a number of disciplines. We often refer to athletics as ‘the queen of sports’.
I am delighted to present awards to Baltic athletes here today. You never know when the luck might shine on you, whereas victories are a result of regular, hard work and iron will. You are our example of how to never give up. Your perseverance and determination teaches us how to win and also lose. You teach us how to overcome failures and enjoy the tears of joy.
Frankly, I would have been happy to see also the names of Latvian athletes among winners. However, this time luck has not been on our side. But, I do understand and it is perfectly normal, healthy competition between athletes of all three Baltic countries means we cannot be the winners every time. Sport nonetheless also teaches us how not to be sore losers and constantly strive for new victories.
By being here you have shown what a force sport is. It is not only a competition. It is also a way to find friends for life. It is about fair play. And in our case also about the brotherly and sisterly ties between the three Baltic countries.
I am genuinely happy to congratulate the best athletes, all the winners from Estonia and Lithuania. Thank you!
2019 LAA President’s Cup winners
Individual prize for the best result in women’s competition
Liveta Jasiūnaitė, Lithuania (Javelin) – 63.98m, 1152 IAAF points)
Individual prize for the best result in women’s competition
Martins Kupper, Estonia (Discus throw) – 64.83 m, 1149 IAAF points)
Best women’s team
Estonian Athletic Team (161 point)
Best men’s team
Estonian Athletic Team (150 points)
Best team in the overall ranking
Estonian Athletic Team (311 points)
