Moldovan president hands state flag to national Olympic team

Chisinau, 4 June /MOLDPRES/ - President Nicolae Timofti has today handed the state flag to the Olympic team that will represent Moldova at the first issue of the European Games, the presidency's press service has reported.

"Sport is a way to show the physical, moral and spiritual state of a nation and I hope that our athletes will return home with good results. I want the tricolour to be raised as often as possible in Baku. Keep it with honour and pride, "said the president.

The Olympic team standard-bearer, Mihai Sava, told the president that the Olympic team members would represent the country at the highest level.

Attending the meeting, National Olympic Committee President Nicolae Juravschi said that the Moldovan team was ready to get good results at the Olympics in Baku. "Our experienced athletes are prepared to defend their titles and the younger ones will demonstrate their sports skills for the first time ever. We expect good results in boxing, athletics, wrestling, as well as other events," said Nicolae Juravschi.

In the end, Nicolae Timofti wished the Olympic team success and good results internationally.

Coach Emeritus of the Republic of Moldova Petru Caduc and Olympic team members also attended the event.

The first issue of the European Olympic Games will be held in Azerbaijan's capital, Baku, on 12-18 June. Over 6,000 athletes from 50 countries will participate in the Olympics. Moldova will be represented by 80 athletes at 12 events: swimming, athletics, cycling, archery, shooting, canoeing, boxing, wrestling, sambo, taekwondo, fencing and judo.

(Editor M. Jantovan)