The Head of State presented Olympic champion Andrus Veerpalu with the I Class Order of the Estonian Red Cross, which the skier had been awarded for his distinguished services to the Republic of Estonia already on the occasion of the Independence Day. The achievements of Jaak Mae, who had won a medal at the Salt Lake City Winter Oympics, were recognized by the President with the III Class Order of the Estonian Red Cross. On coach Mati Alaver the IV Class Distinguished Service Medal of the Estonian Red Cross was conferred already last year.
President Rüütel thanked the athletes and their helpers for their achievements, which have presented to the world the best sides of Estonia, and given their countrymen pleasure and pride. According to the Head of State, he had the chance to experience it himself on his recent state visit to the Kingdom of Norway a well-known skiing country, where many words of praise were said about our skiers.
At the end of the meeting, the President presented to the guests a joint picture taken from the today's event.
Press Service of the Office of the President
Kadriorg, April 17, 2002
