Saldus municipality honors medalists and coaches of Latvia's Youth X Olympiad
On August 4, Saldus municipality's leadership met with medalists of Latvia's Youth X Olympiad and their coaches, thanking them for six gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Athletes and coaches also received cash prizes.
On the evening of August 4, Saldus municipality held an informal gathering at the “Spāre” café, where council chairman Māris Zusts and deputy chairwoman Kristīna Maslovska congratulated medalists of Latvia's Youth X Olympiad, athletes who placed in the top six nationally, and their coaches.
In his remarks, Zusts thanked the athletes for their effort and encouraged them to keep striving, while Maslovska noted that simply qualifying for the Olympiad already reflects a high level of achievement. She also mentioned that Saldus municipality ranked 10th out of 40 municipalities in the overall medal standings, and 3rd among regional municipalities (excluding major cities). Athletes received caps with the municipality's symbols as keepsakes.
Competition results
Latvia's Youth X Olympiad took place in Valmiera from June 18 to 20. Saldus municipality's athletes won a total of six gold, two silver and two bronze medals. Gold medalists included Kārlis Jurgenovskis (trap shooting), Viesturs Ķiļķens (Greco-Roman wrestling), Ella Trēde (freestyle wrestling), Estere Žulpa (boxing), Valters Stepiņš (judo) and Lāsma Vasiļeva (show jumping). Silver went to Jurgenovskis in a second discipline and to Marvins Niklāvs Hartmanis, while bronze was won by Katrīna Anna Kazradze and Romāns Kaļmuks. Kate Birzniece and Kristers Fjodorovs, who placed among the top six nationally, were also recognized.
Coaches Tālis Jurgenovskis, Vladimirs Kaļmuks, Kristaps Kalnakārklis, Ansis Pūce, Gatis Baumanis, Monta Linde and Signe Birkenberga were also honored for their contribution.
In July, the municipal council had already decided to award cash prizes to athletes — 300 euros for 1st place, 200 euros for 2nd, and 150 euros for 3rd — with coaches receiving 50% of the amount given to their athlete.
