President Lennart Meri received the medal winners of the Sydney Paralympic Games Sirly Tiik, Janne Mugame and Marge Kõrkjas, in Kadriorg today, and said in his address:

''Dear winners of the Olympics,

I am very glad that, after only a few weeks' interval, I can again receive Estonian winners of the Olympics here at Kadriorg. In the middle of October, I shook hands here with Erki Nool, Indrek Pertelson and Alexei Budolin.

Today, I am genuinely glad to welcome once more our sportsmen who have been awarded medals - Sirly Tiik, who made a world record and won a gold medal, as well as two bronzes, and Marge Kõrkjas - winner of a silver medal in freestyle swimming, and Janne Mugame - winner of a silver medal in backstroke.

In your case, these victories speak of manifold efforts. When coming face to face with the hardships of life, one may abandon all hope and give up. You are not like that. You have resolved to be the makers of your fortune, you have been strong, and thus you have been able to enjoy many opportunities that life has to offer.

The sports have taken you to the wide world. Marge Kõrkjas has brought medals from both Barcelona and Atlanta. All in all, Estonian sportsmen have brought four gold, eight silver, and six bronze medals from the latest paralympic games. Thus, you have brought fame to Estonia and set an example to all sportsmen.

Our appreciation and gratitude to your coaches.

I hope with all my heart that your success in Australia will give you new self-assurance in your daily life.

Thinking of your accomplishments, we understand that the powers of a human being are indeed great. Let this be an encouragement to your family, your friends, and all the people of Estonia.


Estonia thanks you.''

President of the Republic presented a joint photograph as a gift to the Olympic winners, after which they also made a tour in the baroque palace of Kadriorg.


Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, November 13, 2000

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