FOCUS The Minsk Times Thursday, March 6, 2014 3 Olympic triumphs are among the nation’s greatest asset By Vasily Kharitonov significant test lies ahead team, whose sport is ex- sian women’s biathlon,” said style team head coach to be discussed at a tradi- however: the test of fame tremely challenging, with the President, addressing Nikolay Kozeko, who has tional working session re- The President has under- and success.” no room for error. He com- Nadezhda. raised a whole constellation viewing the results of the lined that Belarus has earned Mr. Lukashenko asked mented, “A friend and col- The Head of State un- of champions, was shown Olympic Games. “All heads international recognition that the winners bear their league recently told me derlined that Orders of the special gratitude, being given of federations and gov- thanks to its 22nd Winter championship titles with ‘nothing ventured, nothing Fatherland acknowledge a 1st Degree Order of the Fa- ernment members should Olympics medallists, who dignity and selflessness and gained’. Both of them [Alla services rendered by ath- therland. This makes him a be ready for this,” warned performed so magnificently that they remain committed Tsuper and Anton Kushnir] letes to their Homeland. He full cavalier of this supreme the President. “Olympic in Sochi. “Millions of people to sport. He requested that ventured and didn’t leave also pointed out the courage state award of Belarus. results not only make us and millions of Belarusians they continue to be modest, their rivals with a chance. and determination of Sergey Mr. Lukashenko de- happy but provide food for held their breath, watching sincere and open, saying, They left behind athletes Dolidovich, who performed clared, “We must also re- thought.” them at the Olympics. The “Let your example guide from legendary countries, well against the most fa- member and thank the Mr. Lukashenko re- nation enjoyed unforget- those entering the sport- where freestyle and aerial mous athletes, to take fifth parents and coaches who minded that, very soon, table moments of patriotic ing field; help them become skiing are at the highest place. The President ex- were the first mentors of our Belarus will be hosting the uplift and unity. Olympic fearless and determined, level — such as Canada, the pressed his opinion that Ser- Olympians. Without your IIHF World Championship heroes are a precious asset training through fatigue USA, the People’s Republic gey could also have won a love for your children and and that there are high and objects of pride for any and the pain of overworked of China and Aus- hopes for the Belarusian nation, including ours,” Mr. muscles — to compete fairly tralia. Our athletes National freestyle team doing well. “These Lukashenko asserted, speak- and win beautifully. Then, were victorious: not days, hockey players do not ing at the ceremony. they will have their moment only because they team head merely compete: they fight The medals, five of which to glorify Belarus.” ventured and did coach Nikolay for victory. If you can’t play are gold, are an outstand- Mr. Lukashenko be- incredible things but Kozeko, who has hockey or you aren’t ready, ing sporting achievement stowed the Hero of Belarus because they worked raised a whole it’s better not to take part and a first for Belarus. Our star upon triple Olympic hard and were moti- constellation of in competition matches,” country occupied a worthy champion Darya Domrache- vated. They believed champions, was he announced, underlin- place among the top ten in va, stressing, “Words can- in their success and shown special ing that Belarusian ath- the medal standings, leav- not describe our feelings — most importantly letes would be taking part ing behind many traditional watching Darya Domrache- — had the desire to gratitude, being in many important inter- favourites. “The entire world va’s performances. Power, win.” given a 1st Degree national tournaments in had cause to speak about speed, stamina, courage and Mr. Lukashenko Order of the future. He expressed his Belarus, which made a huge marksmanship fused into underlined that the Fatherland. This hope that they would push contribution to improving triumph by a great athlete: a medals won by aeri- makes him a full themselves to the limit and our country’s image and its triumph previously unseen alists Alla Tsuper cavalier of this win more medals. prestige as a sporting nation on the planet.” and Anton Kushnir supreme state During the ceremony, and sports power,” the Presi- “In winning three gold are of special value. triple Olympic champion award of Belarus. BELTA dent noted. medals at a single Olympics, “Your jumps were Nikolay Kozeko Darya Domracheva sol- Mr. Lukashenko thanked you, Dasha, became a legend unique in terms of emnly handed over the the Belarusian Olympians of world sport. Today, your elegance and technique. medal. At the ceremony, Mr. your belief in their talent, national team’s flag from for their courage and com- sporting and civil deed is Your victories will forever Dolidovich was awarded the there would be no champi- the 22nd Winter Olympic mitment, presenting high honoured with the highest be part of sporting history: Order of Honour. ons today. Their victories Games in Sochi, present- state awards to the cham- award of the country: Hero in Belarus and globally.” The President especially are your victories; you have ing it to the Head of State. pions and their coaches: in of Belarus. We bestow very Speaking of bronze recognised the contribution every right to take pride in Mr. Lukashenko handed it recognition of their pro- few,” stressed Mr. Lukashen- medallist Nadezhda Skar- of coaches and other special- them. Servicemen, medics to students from the spe- fessionalism, outstanding ko. dino, Mr. Lukashenko noted ists in achieving victories at and administrators — eve- cialised Olympic reserve achievements and signifi- Mr. Lukashenko con- that her success was the re- the Games. According to the ryone who has helped our school, which trains young cant personal contribution ferred a 3rd Degree Order sult of faith and hard work. Head of State, the coaches of athletes — deserves the gymnasts and freestyle to the successful perfor- of the Fatherland upon “Nadya, you didn’t give up the national aerial and biath- kindest words. Your enor- skiers. Later, it will find a mance of the Belarusian Olympic champions in the face of difficulties; I lon teams, as well as other mous contribution to pre- home at the Olympic Glory national team at the Anton Kushnir saw this. You bit the bullet, specialists, were responsible paring Olympic winners Museum. Olympic Games in and Alla Tsu- calmed your nerves and in helping secure Olym- and medallists cannot be Figures of culture and Sochi. per, as well as moved forward — pic medals, through overestimated. I thank eve- arts attending the solemn “Your achieve- upon bronze no matter what. their talent and ryone who has contributed ceremony performed for ments deserve the medallist You won the hard work. to the sporting suc- the audience, concluding highest awards,” Nadezhda medal and National cess of Belarus.” with a joint rendition of emphasised the Skardino. once again free- Never- the State Anthem of the Belarusian leader. T h e confirmed theless, Mr. Republic of Belarus. “On the way to the Head of State the strength Lukashenko medals podium, noted that of Belaru- drew atten- you endured spectators and tion to the thick and thin. fans vigorously need to A more supported the remember aerial ski- the problems i n g facing sport, which are BELTA Anton Kushnir, Darya Domracheva, Nadezhda Skardino and Alla Tsuper receive state awards for their Olympic Game victories.