As many as 180 athletes, coaches and principals of sports schools of Chisinau municipality were awarded by the municipal General Division of Education, Youth and Sport in a festive event, IPN reports.

The best athletes were awarded by 2,000 lei, while the best coaches and managers of education institutions by 1,000 lei. “We want the sportspersons to feel that their effort is encouraged and we want to assure them that their effort will be further supported as the sports schools and lyceums are the main providers of professional athletes in the country, which is very important,” said the Division’s deputy head Aliona Coropceanu.

Fiodor Majarov, who medaled gold at the U22 Beach Volleyball Balkan Championship, said the athletes need support, including from the authorities, to achieve results. He noted the award won today motivates him to show in the future that he deserves it.

Dan Siminel, of Sports School No. 11 of Chisinau, said 2018 was very good for him as he achieved his best result at the World Swimming Championship of China last yearend. According to him, Moldova does not have well-developed swimming infrastructure. Even so, he makes effort to develop.

The manager of the dance sport club Codreanca Svetlana Gozun said last year for their pupils brought gold and silver medals at national and international competitions. Two pairs will represent Moldova at the European Championships in Chisinau this April. Dancers are also prepared for the World Championships.

Ilie Chirtoacă, freestyle wrestling coach at the sports school of Cricova, said the equipment and the training of staff should be improved in the field and a national sports development strategy should be adopted.

The event forms part of the cultural and sports program “Gala of sports stars 2018” and is aimed at supporting professional athletes.