1705711763
Photo; Office of the President of the State
On January 17, President Edgars Rinkēvičs remotely welcomed cyclist, coach, sports manager, businessman and former president of the Latvian Cycling Federation Igo Japiņas in the “Three Star Award 2023” nomination “Lifelong investment in sport”.
Ladies and gentlemen!
Athlete!
Sports fans and sports lovers!
With his visible and invisible work, Igo Japiņš has once again put Latvia back on the world cycling map. He trained our greatest cyclists. But the roads and paths of Latvia have been shaped by the Unity journey, which I was able to take part in in 2023.
Tonight I have the great honor of congratulating Igo Japiņas on the award for his lifelong contribution to sport. And this is a greeting not only to Mr. Japiņš, but also to the thousands who, inspired by him, have ridden pedals all their lives and continue to ride.
It is said that there is no need to reinvent the wheel. Igo Japiņš may not have invented a new bike, but he did help see the bike in a different light. For some, it has helped to see the bike as a vehicle for racing medals. And he has helped thousands of people in Latvia see the bicycle as a means of happiness and new friends. To health and joy. Me too. Thank you very much and let’s move on!
I invite you to pay tribute to the hero of this day and the great master of cycling, Igo Japinas!
VIDEO. Author: Office of the President of the State.
Office of the President
#Speech #President #Edgars #Rinkevičs #ceremony #honoring #athletes #Star #Award #Events