European weightlifting champion Cristina Iovu will be Moldova’s flag bearer at the Summer Olympics (July 27 – August 12) opening ceremony, the Moldovan Olympic Organization Committee has announced. 19-year-old Cristina earned this privilege after having won gold at the 2012 European Weightlifting Championships. In the -53kg category, Iovu snatched 91kg, and lifted 116kg at the clean & jerk compartment; at a total of 207kg lifted, she became the absolute champion in her category. “It is very important that our athletes have the proper conditions, in order for them to focus on what they have to do. I am sure they are well prepared and I wish them luck”, said Premier Vlad Filat at the last meeting of the Organization Committee. The Premier mentioned that a unique uniform should be designed for all Moldovan athletes, regardless of the discipline they are competing in. Nicolae Juravschi, president of the National Olympic Committee, said that the national team is ready for the competition, and the athletes are optimistic about it. “All of them are ready and, albeit competition in sports is tremendous, we keep hope for good results”, said Nicolae Juravschi. The National Olympic Team is made up of 24 athletes, who will compete in several disciplines such as athletics, wrestling, female wrestling, weightlifting, judo, target shooting, etc. According to a communiqué from the Government, the State Budget allocated about 14 million lei for our teams’ training and participation at the Summer Olympics and Paralympics.