On January 15, 2024, the Three Star Award ceremony took place at the Riga Circus, celebrating the achievements of athletes, teams, coaches, and municipalities. Riga was crowned “Municipality of the Year” for its outstanding contributions to sports, while Iveta caune, a dedicated sports teacher at Riga 49th Secondary School, received the prestigious “Sports Teacher of the Year” award.
Vilnis Ķirsis, Chairman of the Riga City Council, expressed his gratitude, stating, “This accolade is the result of the collective efforts of the Riga City Council staff, who tirelessly organize numerous sports events in our capital. I extend my thanks to sports federations, unions, and event organizers for their collaboration. Together, we’ve achieved this honor! Riga has been a hub of athletic activity in 2024, hosting Olympic qualifiers, world championships, and the thrilling WRC rally. We also celebrated our Paralympians at the Freedom monument following their remarkable performance in Paris. This recognition means a lot to us. Riga’s journey continues, with exciting events like the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 final tournament and high-level football matches on the horizon. We remain committed to enhancing sports infrastructure,including the ongoing renovation of the Riga National Sports Arena.”
Throughout 2024, Riga successfully hosted a variety of international events, including the Riga Marathon, Olympic qualification tournaments in basketball and hockey, a WRC speed stage, and a speedway “Grand Prix” series. The city also implemented important infrastructure projects, supported sports clubs, and encouraged youth participation in sports activities.
Iveta Caune, the esteemed sports teacher at Riga 49th Secondary School, was recognized as “Sports Teacher of the Year” for her unwavering dedication. She ensures her classes are dynamic, engaging, and inspiring. Her students often remark that her lessons are never dull. Caune’s mission is to maintain high standards, push boundaries, and remain innovative in her teaching methods, all while staying true to her values and continuing her impactful work.
We are immensely proud of these achievements!
External Communication department of the Riga municipality Communications Department
Exclusive Interview with Olympic Coach Māris Štrombergs on Riga’s Sports Success
Moderator: Welcome, everyone, to today’s engaging discussion! I’m thrilled to have with us Māris Štrombergs, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in BMX cycling and a respected coach. Māris,thank you for joining us.
Māris Štrombergs: thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be hear and discuss the incredible achievements of Riga in the sports world.
Moderator: let’s dive right in. On January 15, 2024, Riga was awarded “Municipality of the Year” at the Three Star Award ceremony for its outstanding contributions to sports. What are your thoughts on this recognition?
Māris Štrombergs: I think it’s well-deserved.Riga has been a powerhouse in organizing major events like the Riga Marathon, Olympic qualifiers, and even the WRC rally. Hosting such diverse and high-profile events requires immense coordination and dedication. It’s a testament to the city’s commitment to sports.
Moderator: Agreed. Vilnis Ķirsis, Chairman of the Riga City Council, highlighted the collective efforts of the council staff and sports organizations. Do you believe this collaborative approach is key to Riga’s success?
Māris Štrombergs: Absolutely. Sports thrive when there’s a strong partnership between government bodies, federations, and local communities. Riga’s ability to bring everyone together to create a vibrant sports culture is commendable. The ongoing renovation of the Riga National Sports Arena is a perfect example of this collaboration in action.
Moderator: Speaking of events, Riga hosted the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 qualifiers and is set to host the final tournament next year. How meaningful is this for Latvian basketball and its fans?
Māris Štrombergs: It’s massive. Basketball is deeply ingrained in Latvian culture,and hosting such a prestigious event will elevate the sport’s profile even further. it’s a fantastic possibility for young athletes to witness top-tier competition firsthand and be inspired to reach new heights.
Moderator: Let’s shift gears to Iveta Caune, who was named “Sports Teacher of the Year.” She’s known for her dynamic and engaging teaching methods. How critically important are educators like her in shaping the next generation of athletes?
Māris Štrombergs: Educators like Iveta are the backbone of sports advancement. She’s not just teaching physical education—she’s instilling values like discipline,teamwork,and perseverance. Her innovative approach ensures that students stay motivated and passionate about sports. We need more dedicated teachers like her.
Moderator: Riga has also been supporting youth participation in sports. Do you think this is crucial for the long-term growth of Latvian athletics?
Māris Štrombergs: Without a doubt. investing in youth sports is investing in the future. By encouraging kids to participate and providing them with proper infrastructure and coaching, we’re laying the foundation for future champions and a healthier society.
Moderator: Lastly, Riga celebrated its Paralympians at the Freedom Monument following their remarkable performance in Paris. How do such events impact the perception of para sports in Latvia?
Māris Štrombergs: These celebrations are vital in raising awareness and breaking stereotypes. Para athletes are just as dedicated and talented as their able-bodied counterparts. Recognizing their achievements not only honors their hard work but also inspires inclusivity in sports.
moderator: Thank you, Māris, for your insightful perspective. To our readers, what are your thoughts on Riga’s sports achievements? Who are your favorite Latvian athletes or coaches? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
Stay tuned for more interviews and discussions on the latest in sports. Don’t forget to share your opinions and join the debate!
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