The Paralympic team of the Republic of Moldova returned from Paris. The athletes were greeted with applause and flowers at the Chisinau International Airport. The event was also attended by President Maia Sandu, IPN reports.

The head of state welcomed them home and expressed her appreciation and gratitude for the way they represented the country. “I hope we will all learn, both the little ones and the adults, to understand that anything is possible if we make an effort, if we work honestly. And I hope we will have as many children and young people as possible who will follow the example of these heroes,” stated President Sandu.

Attending the event, Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun said that athletes are an example of resilience for all. He expressed his appreciation for the athletes, for what they did for the Republic of Moldova and for the obtained results.

Judoka Oleg Crețul, who won a bronze medal, approved of the support of those who kept their fingers crossed at the Paralympic Games. She noted that the entire country’s support was felt in Paris.

The Republic of Moldova had five representatives at the Paralympic Games: Ion Basoc (+90 kg, para judo, 2nd place), Oleg Crețul (-90 kg, para judo, 3rd place), Larisa Marinenkova (para powerlifting, 7th place), Gheorghe Spînu (shot put, 8th place), and Ina Cernei (women’s para judo, reached 1/16 finals). For Gheorghe Spînu and Ina Cernei, this was their first participation in an edition of the Paralympic Games.

The Paris Paralympic Games took place between August 28 and September 8 and brought together about 5,000 athletes, who competed in 22 sports events. The Republic of Moldova ranked 73rd out of 184 countries.