On 3 December, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, First Lady Andra Levite took part in the 2022 Annual Award for Supporting People with Disabilities ceremony and presented the award in the category ‘Boldness’.
Main prize in nomination ‘Boldness’ for personal commitment was won by Velga Polinska, whereas ‘Tepat un kopā’ (Right here together) won the team effort award in the same category. Honorary mentions for ‘Boldness’ were presented to Sigita Sakoviča and Latvian Association of Children with Physical Disabilities and ‘Krikša draugi’ (Friends of Kriksis).
Address by Andra Levite to winners:
I am truly honoured and delighted to present the award for ‘Boldness’. Being bold is hard, trust me. But if you act bold, it can be really exciting.
What kind of world are we building? What kind of Latvia and life do we want for ourselves? These are the questions that preoccupy all. But the good news is – every morning, as we wake up – you and I, and people both close to you and people you do not know, non-governmental organisations and public institutions – we all can take decisions that will make the world, Latvia and our life better, more humane, peaceful, healthier and inclusive.
You are the example that all the people that are still ‘slumbering’ can follow and wake up one day, deciding that they too can do what is right and act. People do appreciate your beliefs and dedication to helping multiply the common good. And I cannot thank you enough for that, as well!
2022 Annual Award for Supporting People with Disabilities was presented to individual supporters, organisations and corporate entities in eight categories – ‘Boldness’, ‘Employment facilitator’, ‘Social media voice’, ‘Educator’, ‘Children and youth role-model’, ‘Helper of the Year’, ‘Environmental access initiatives’ and ‘Cultural ambassador’.
Nominations for the award were selected by population of Latvia. Winners are selected by a jury, which also includes First Lady Andra Levite. 2022 Annual Award for Supporting People with Disabilities is the prize established by the Ombudsman’s Office of Latvia.
