Victor Yushchenko, Yuriy Pavlenko, Youth and Sports Minister, Ivan Sakhan, Social Policy Minister, and Markiyan Lubkivsky, Head of the Humanitarian Policy Office, took part in a ceremony to honor members of Ukraine’s winter Paralympic team, according to the President’s press-office.
The Head of State presented the Golden Star Order to Olena Yurkovska, the biathlon and ski champion that was recognized as the best athlete of the 2006 Winter Paralympic Games in Turin.
The President also decorated Valery Sushkevych, President of the National Sports Committee for Disabled Citizens of Ukraine, for promoting sports in Ukraine.
When addressing the athletes, Mr. Yushchenko thanked them for great achievements which make our country’s fame grow worldwide: “You did what our diplomats and politicians should do. This is your exploit!”
The Chief of State also said he had signed a decree to establish one hundred prizes for disabled athletes.
Mr. Sushkevych thanked him for supporting the team and said the athletes had achieved such commendable results because of their solidarity and team spirit.
“We showed all Ukrainians what we can do,” he said.
