KEGUMS (LATVIA), 28 June 2009 – With this being the first ever MX1/MX2 Grand Prix of Latvia, the country’s President Dr. Valdis Zatlers paid a visit to the crowded event to meet Youthstream’s President Mr. Giuseppe Luongo, FIM/CMS President Dr. Wolfgang Srb, President of the Baltic Cup Foundation Mr. Salvis Freimanis and thousands of his Latvian countrymen.
Dr. Zatlers attended the opening ceremony to give a speech in front of the many fans attending this exciting tenth Grand Prix of the 2009 season then enjoyed the opening ceremony with the classic horse parade –the name of the track Zelta Zirgs means “Golden Horse” and here is where this tradition comes from- and the action on the track.
(from left to right) Giuseppe Luongo, Wolfgang Srb, Valdis Zatlers, Salvis Freimanis
The President of Latvia, who fully supported the arrival of the FIM Motocross World Championship to the country, reckoned the values of excitement, community, internationalism as part of this series which can bring significant benefits to this lively country.
Over one billion TV viewers worldwide, a broad media coverage throughout the globe via print and online media, the involvement of important partners and a global calendar reaching several countries make the FIM Motocross World Championship promoted by Youthstream the best Motocross series in the entire World with an incredible potential of growth.
President Valdis Zatlers was joined by the Minister of Justice Mr. Mareks Seglins and Deputy of Latvian Parliament Mr. Dzintars Jaundzeikers.
Images of this important visit were broadcast live during the opening moto’s and will continue to be broadcast delayed through the FIM Motocross World Championship 52 minute program.
Dr. Valdis Zatlers, the President of the Latvian Republic, said: “I want to welcome everyone who is here in Kegums today for the Grand Prix of Latvia, which is a honour and a privilege for us to host and organize. I wish all the organizers and I wish all the participants a great race, nice weather, no technical failures. I am really happy that this event shows the maturity of Latvian Motocross and organization. I wish all the best and the success to all of you.”
Mr. Giuseppe Luongo, the President of Youthstream, stated: “Thanks to the Latvian fans, Government, political authorities for hosting us this weekend in Kegums. We are proud that the President of the Republic is coming to the Grand Prix and staying with us, it is another confirm of the high level Motocross is now reaching. We found in Mr. Freimanis such a very good organizer, he is now in the list of potential winners of the Organizer of the Year Award and there are possibilities that we will run the Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations here in the future. The Baltic countries are a very important part of Europe with lots of passionate fans.”
Dr. Wolfgang Srb, the FIM/CMS President, continued: “I want to welcome all the Motocross fans from Latvia and the neighbor countries attending this Grand Prix in Kegums. It is a privilege and a honour to be here with the President of the Latvian Republic Dr. Valdis Zatlers. Thanks to the people who made all this possible, the Latvian Government and Federation, the sponsors, Youthstream and organizer Mr. Salvis Freimanis.”
Mr. Salvis Freimanis, President of the Baltic Cup Foundation, ended: “It is not just my work that made this possible, it is the work of all my group of passionate people. I am really happy about this relationship with Youthstream and the FIM, it is a dream come true for us. This can give Latvia a lot in terms of economy and prestige. I hope this will be the beginning of a long series of International events.”