Prime Minister honours national athletes and meets with the President of the International Olympic Committee

Yesterday, Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis gave honours to the Lithuanian athletes in celebration of Lithuania’s participation in 25 Summer Olympics. Held at the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, the ceremony was attended by Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee.

Following the restoration of independence, Thomas Bach has been an active supporter of Lithuania’s return to the international Olympic arena. Under his presidency, financial support for the Lithuanian National Olympic Committee has doubled.

Prime Minister Skvernelis thanked the President for his support to Lithuania, and commended the athletes for the Olympic achievements.

“We appreciate your support for the return of Lithuania to the international Olympic family. We are grateful for your continuous attention to the Lithuanian Olympic Movement. Our state is especially proud of the achievements and results achieved by our athletes. I remember very well Lithuania’s first participation, after the restoration of its independence, in the Olympic Games in Barcelona. The medals won were the victory and joy of the entire nation, which brought us ever closer together for the future challenges”, said the Prime Minister.

The Head of Government shared his joy about the fact that Lithuania has succeeded to keep the 12th place since the Olympic Games in 2008, by the number of Olympic medals per million population. According to the Prime Minister, this is a great achievement for a small nation.

The Prime Minister also welcomed IOC’s dedication to pursue clean sport and prevent doping in the Olympics.

Following the recognition of its independence 25 years ago, Lithuania took part in the Barcelona Games, and brought back a number of credits – the first gold medal for the independent Lithuania from disc-thrower Romas Ubartas, a bronze medal from the basketball team. It was the first Lithuanian Olympic Games after the break of 64 years.