President visit Paralympics in Paris

The President of the Slovak Republic, Peter Pellegrini, came to Paris to support the athletes who are competing for precious medal at the Paralympic Games. He highlighted their efforts and stated that Slovak society should do more to help people with disabilities.

“I was surprised that after 30 years I am the first president of the Slovak Republic after Michal Kováč to come to the Paralympic Games. I made a public promise during the swearing-in ceremony in the presidential garden, when Mr. Riapoš, as the chairman of our Paralympic Committee, asked me to come and support That's why I'm glad that, together with the members of the government, I can directly support our Paralympians in their competitions. That's why the Slovak team is showing excellent results several gold medals and in my opinion that is not the end," he said at the reception in the Slovak Embassy in Paris.

As of Tuesday, the Slovak team had won a total of five medals - three gold and two silver. "It's a more successful team than at the Olympic Games themselves, and that's why I considered it my duty to pay tribute to these people, who often despite the difficult fate of life are able to perform such excellent performances," continued the President, who will stay in the capital of France until Thursday and would like to see Slovak athletes in parachuting, swimming disciplines and to visit other sports as well.

Pellegrini stated that the Paralympians make an excellent advertisement for the country and he believes that their achievements will also help to improve the conditions for people with disabilities in Slovakia. "In the back of my mind, I also counted on the fact that they would be very successful, because many of them have been to the Olympics several times and have always brought medals home. There is no better advertisement. I hope that even in Slovakia we will be more aware of what we should do as a society for people who have a disadvantage, so that they can live even better. They reward us with these medals. I believe that this Paralympics will move our society a little further in relation to disadvantaged citizens and we will find a common strength to debarrier the country." he added.

Source: TASR