Media Guide Latvia Sochi 2014 by Andzejs Mickevics

UNIFORMS The XXII Olympic Winter Games to be held from 7 to 23 February 2014 in the Russian resort town of Sochi, will be the seventh winter Olympic Games with participation of the Latvian Olympic Team since renewal of the Latvian Olympic Committee 25 years ago. The Latvian participation in 1924, 1928 and 1936 Winter Olympic Games was more regarded as demonstration of pre-war youth activities and eagerness to take part in most important sport events. But now - in 2014 - the Latvian Olympic Team is determined to own already the Olympic podium places in Sochi, as today we see in our team World and European Champions, medalists and World Cup winners and leaders in particular sports and disciplines of the last and current seasons. It is the fourth time in turn that the National Men’s Ice-Hockey team is also going to Winter Olympics to compete for their victories. Therefore we purposefully hope to witness the Latvian leading athletes’ highest achievements just in Sochi. Thanks to the financial support provided by government, sponsors and Olympic Solidarity, we have been able to prepare the team. Despite the fact that Sochi is situated on the same latitude as Beijing, Nice and Monaco, that are not so famous for hosting winter sport competitions, the Russian specialists have invested significant financial resources and effort to ensure best possible condition for the World’s top winter sport athletes’ competition. I do express my appreciation for this valuable input. Let expectations come true for the organizers of the Sochi Games, as well as for the volunteers, among whom there are also Latvian representatives! Let the entire world enjoy this most magnificent winter sport festival! On behalf of all Latvian sport movement and supporters I wish strength, endurance and success to the entire Latvian Olympic Team in Sochi! We will keep our fingers crossed for you!

Latvian Olympians Kristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing) Eliza Tiruma (Luge)

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Aldons Vrublevskis President of the Latvian Olympic Committee

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COMPETITION SCHEDULE Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon 6 Fisht Olympic Stadium Iceberg Skating Palace Ice Cube Curling Center Iceberg Skating Palace Adler Arena Skating Center Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center Laura Cross-country Ski & Biathlon Center Rosa Khutor Alpine Center Sanki Sliding Center RusSki Gorki Ski Jumping Center Rosa Khutor Extreme Park RusSki Gorki Ski Jumping Center

Figure Skating Curling Short Track Speed Skating Speed Skating Biathlon Cross-Country Skiing Alpine Skiing Bobsleigh Ski Jumping Snowboard Nordic Combined Luge

Rosa Khutor Extreme Park

Freestyle Skiing

Sanki Sliding Center

Skeleton

Shayba Arena

Ice Hockey I

Bolshoy Ice Dome

Ice Hockey II

Fisht Olympic Stadium

Olympic Closing Ceremony

Olympic Opening Ceremony

Sanki Sliding Center

Competition Days

Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun

Latvian participation

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Latvian participation

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OFFICIALS

HONOURED GUESTS

Andris BERZINS Function President of the Republic of Latvia

Aldons VRUBLEVSKIS

Function President Latvian Olympic Committee Born June 2, 1957, Zalenieki, LAT OG As NOC Secretary General 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 OG 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002 OWG. As NOC President – 2006, 2010 OWG, 2008, 2012 OG.

Zorzs TIKMERS Function Secretary General Latvian Olypic Committee, Chef de Mission Born January 22, 1957, Tukums, LAT OG As an athlete – 1980 ( silver medal – Rowing) Chef de Mission – 1994, 2006, 2010 OWG 2008, 2012 OG.

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OFFICIALS Marita VILCINA Function Press Attache Born June 5, 1971, Aluksne, LAT OG Press Attaché – 2004, 2008, 2012 OG 2006, 2010 OWG

Latvia Get to know it! latvia.eu

Andris LUPIKS Function Deputy Chef de Mission Born March 26, 1970, Madona, LAT OG Deputy Chef de Mission – 2002, 2006, 2010 OWG 2008, 2012 OG Official - 2004 OG

Raitis KESELIS Function Assistant Chef de Mission Born October 11, 1979, Riga, LAT OG Deputy Chef de Mission – 2006, 2010 OWG 2008, 2012 OG Official - 2004 OG

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BIATHLON

BIATHLON Officials Janis BERZINS

Zanna JUSKANE

Event: Women 15km Ind.; Women 7,5km Sprint; (Women 10km Pursuit) Born: October 5, 1989, Rezekne, LAT H/F: 157 cm, 52 kg Sex: F Hobbies: reading, sewing and knitting First Coach: Sergejs SVERCKOVS Coach: Gatis PRAULITIS OWG: 2010 – 19th (4x6km), 79th (7,5km sprint), 84th (15km Ind) WCH: 2013 – 86th (15km Ind), 90th (7,5km sprint); 2012 – 72nd (7,5km sprint), 89th (15km Ind); 2011 – 78th (7,5km sprint), 80th (15km Ind) ECH: 2012 – 31st (15km Ind), 39th (7,5km sprint) ECH U-26: 2011 – 44th (15km Ind), didn’t finish (7,5km sprint) EJCH: 2010 – 21st (7,5km sprint), 38th (15km Ind)

Andrejs RASTORGUJEVS

Born: April 22, 1952, Cesis, LAT Sex: M Function: President of NF OWG: 2006, 2010

Intars BERKULIS Born: February 2, 1976, Aluksne, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: 2010

Aivars BOGDANOVS

Event: Men 20km Ind.; Men 10km Sprint; Men Born: February 27, 1965, Cesis, LAT 12,5km Pursuit; Men Mass Start 15km Sex: M Born: May 27, 1988, Aluksne, LAT Function: Coach H/F: 181 cm, 70 kg OWG: As an athlete in 1992, 1994, 1998 OWG; Sex: M As a coach in 2002, 2006 and 2010 Hobbies: Play guitar First Coach: Sergejs SVERCKOVS Coach: Intars BERKULIS OWG: 2010 – 50th (10 km sprint), 58th (12,5km Pur) WCH: 2013 – 50th (20km Ind), 65th (10km sprint), 22nd(4x7,5km); 2012 – 68th (20km Ind), 83rd (10km sprint); 2011 – 43rd (20km Ind), 66th (10km sprint), 14th (4x7,5km) ECH U-26: 2013 – 4th (20km Ind); 2012 – 5th (10km sprint and 12,5km Pur), 27th (20km Ind), 11th (4x7,5km); 2011 – 4th (20km Ind), 7th (12,5km Pur), 8th (10km sprint).

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BOBSLEIGH

BOBSLEIGH Oskars MELBARDIS Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob February 16, 1988, Valmiera, LAT 190 cm, 100 kg M Motocross, football

First Coach: Baiba KAUFMANE Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: 2010 – didn’t start WCH: 2013 – 5th (2 Men Bob), 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – didn’t finish (4 Men Bob), 8th (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 15th (4 Men Bob), 13th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 4th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 7th (4 Men Bob), 5th (2 Men Bob) Wcup: 2012/13 – 3rd (2 and 4 Men Bob); 2011/12 – 15th (4 Men Bob), 6th (2 Men Bob); 2010/11 – 20th (2 Men Bob), 25th (4 Men Bob) WJCH: 2012 – 1st (2 and 4 Men Bob)

Daumants DREISKENS Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

First Coach: Juris BASKERS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: 2010 – 8th (2 Men Bob); 2006 – 6th (2 Men Bob) and 10th (4 Men Bob) WCH: 2013 – 5th (2 Men Bob), 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 6th (4 Men Bob), 8th (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 16th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 4th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 4th (4 Men Bob), 5th (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 5th (4 Men Bob), 7th (2 Men Bob)

Oskars KIBERMANIS Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: April 4, 1993, Valmiera, LAT H/F: 186 cm, 95 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Hunting First Coach: Raitis RAVINSKIS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 16th (4 Men Bob), 18th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 18th (2 Men Bob) WJCH: 2012 – 2nd (4 Men Bob), 3rd (2 Men Bob) Wcup: 2012/13 – 18th (4 Men Bob), 26th (2 Men Bob) 2011/12 – 95th (2 Men Bob) YOWG: 2012 – 4th (2 Men Bob)

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Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob March 28, 1984, Gulbene, LAT 193 cm, 108 kg M Basketball

Arvis VILKASTE Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob April 8, 1989, Balvi, LAT 183 cm, 97 kg M Hunting

First Coach: Sarmite KEISELE Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 -9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 - didn’t finish (4 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 -5th (4 Men Bob); 2012 - 7th (4 Men Bob); WICH: 2012 - 1st (4 Men Bob)

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BOBSLEIGH Helvijs LUSIS Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob January 14, 1987, Aizpute, LAT 186 cm, 97 kg M DJ

First Coach: Andris KAJU Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2012 – didn’t finish (4 Men Bob) WJCH: 2013 – 2nd (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 1st (4 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 7th (4 Men Bob)

Raivis BROKS Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob February 20, 1984, Madona, LAT 192 cm, 102 kg M Crosswords, active recreation

First Coach: Gatis GUTS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: 2010 – 11th (4 Men Bob) WCH: 2013 – 16th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 22nd (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 15th (4 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 18th (2 Men Bob); 2012 – 4th (4 Men Bob), 20th (2 Men Bob), 2011 – 5th (4 Men Bob)

Vairis LEIBOMS Event: Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob Born: August 18, 1991, Ergli, LAT H/F: 184 cm, 90 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Football First Coach: Krisjanis KUPLIS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No Previous presence WJCH: 2013 – 2nd (4 Men Bob)

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BOBSLEIGH Janis STRENGA Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob February 5, 1986, Sigulda, LAT 183 cm, 92 kg M Beach volley, athletics

First Coach: Gatis GUTS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No Previous presence WCH: 2013 – 16th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – didnt’t finish (4 Men Bob); 2011 – 15th (4 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 7th (4 Men Bob)

Intars DAMBIS Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

Men’s 2-man bob, Men’s 4-man bob September 3, 1983, Gulbene, LAT 186 cm, 95 kg M Voleyball, fishing

First Coach: Rihards KOTANS Coach: Sandis PRUSIS OWG: No Previous presence WCH: 2013 – 9th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 6th (4 Men Bob), 15th (2 Men Bob); 2011 – 9th (4 Men Bob), 13th (2 Men Bob) ECH: 2013 – 5th (4 Men Bob); 2012 – 4th (4 Men Bob), 9th (2 Men Bob), 2011 – 5th (4 Men Bob)

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BOBSLEIGH Officials

BOBSLEIGH Officials Janis KOLS Born: Sex: Function: OWG:

February 20, 1959, Aluksne, LAT M President of NF 2010

Janis OZOLS Born: December 4, 1972, Jurmala, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1998, 2002 and 2006

Sandis PRUSIS Born: October 24, 1965, Ventspils, LAT Sex: M Function: Head Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002; as a coach in 2006 and 2010

Zintis EKMANIS Born: May 17, 1958, Pabazi, LAT Sex: M Function: Assistiant Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1984 and 1988 (USSR Team); 1992 and 1994 (Latvian team); as an administrative personnell in 2006; as a assistiant coach in 2010

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Viesturs PERKONS Born: Sex: Function: OWG:

August 8, 1974, Ventspils, LAT M Technical personnell No previous presence

Olafs KLAVINS Born: February 7, 1964, Saldus, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1988 (USSR Team)

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LUGE

LUGE Ulla ZIRNE Event: Women’s Singles Born: August 6, 1995, Riga, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 67 kg Sex: F Hobbies: Active recreation, travelling, cooking First Coach: Ingrida AMANTOVA Coach: Kaspars DUMPIS OWG: No previous presence Wcup: 2012/13 – 40th, 2010/11 – 39 WCH: 2013 – 10th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 24th ECH: 2013 – 7th, 4th (Team competitions), 2012 – 14th, 6th (Team Competition).

Eliza TIRUMA Event: Women’s Singles Born: August 21, 1990, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 170 cm, 72 kg Sex: F Hobbies: Swimming, cycling First Coach: Aivars KALNINS Coach: Peteris CIMANIS OWG: No previous presence Wcup: 2012/13 – 11th, 2011/12 – 14th, 2010/11 – 23rd WCH: 2013 – 10th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 24th ECH: 2013 – 7th, 4th (Team competitions), 2012 – 14th, 6th (Team Competition).

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Martins RUBENIS Event: Men’s Singles Born: September 26, 1978, Riga, LAT H/F: 184 cm, 91 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Music, DJ First Coach: Vera ZOZULA Coach: Mihails ARHIPOVS OWG: 2010 – 11th, 2006 – 3rd, 2002 – didn’t finish, 1998 – 14th Wcup: 2012/13 – 14th, 2011/12 – 31st, 2010/11 – 29th WCH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 19th, 2011 – 10th ECH: 2013 – 12th

Kristaps MAURINS Event: Men’s Singles Born: May 5, 1991, Cesis, LAT H/F: 192 cm, 92 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Active recreation First Coach: Eva HOFMANE Coach: Kaspars DUMPIS OWG: No previous presence Wcup: 2012/13 – 29th, 2011/12 – 29th, 2010/11 – 43rd WCH: 2013 – 26th, 2012 – 29th WJCH: 2011 – 12nd ECH: 2013 – 19th, 2012 – 20th

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LUGE

LUGE Andris SICS Event: Doubles Born: May 12, 1985, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 180 cm, 90 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Fishing First Coach: Eva HOFMANE Coach: Janis LIEPA OWG: 2010 – 2nd, 2006 – 7th Wcup: 2012/13 – 6th, 2011/12 – 16th, 2010/11 – 7th WCH: 2013 – 6th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 9th, 7th (Team competitions), 2011 – 3rd ECH: 2012 – 7th, 6th (Team competitions).

Juris SICS Event: Doubles Born: April 26, 1983, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 82 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Autosport First Coach: Janis SICS Coach: Janis LIEPA OWG: 2010 – 2nd, 2006 – 7th Wcup: 2012/13 – 6th, 2011/12 – 16th, 2010/11 – 7th WCH: 2013 – 6th, 3rd (Team competitions), 2012 – 9th, 7th (Team competitions), 2011 – 3rd ECH: 2012 – 7th, 6th (Team competitions).

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Oskars GUDRAMOVICS Event: Doubles Born: July 4, 1988, Riga, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 71 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Rest First Coach: Janis OZOLINS Coach: Peteris CIMANIS OWG: 2010 – 12th Wcup: 2012/13 – 16th, 2011/12 – 22nd, 2010/11 – 15th WCH: 2013 – 10th, 2012 – 10th ECH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 16th

Peteris KALNINS Event: Doubles Born: December 15, 1988, Riga, LAT H/F: 174 cm, 80 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Rest First Coach: Aivars KALNINS (father) Coach: Aivars KALNINS (father) OWG: 2010 – 12th Wcup: 2012/13 – 16th, 2011/12 – 22nd, 2010/11 – 15th WCH: 2013 – 10th, 2012 – 10th ECH: 2013 – 12th, 2012 – 16th

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LUGE Athlete and Officials

LUGE Officials Atis STRENGA

Inars KIVLENIEKS Event: Men’s Singles Born: July 4, 1986, Riga, LAT H/F: 183 cm, 91 kg Sex: M First Coach: Indra STIGLICA Coach: Janis LIEPA OWG: 2010 – 18th Wcup: 2012/13 – 15th, 2011/12 – 18th, 2010/11 – 23th WCH: 2013 – 9th, 2012 – 16th, 2011 – 21th ECH: 2013 – 7th

Born: October 3, 1958, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Functions: President of NF OWG: As a coach in 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010

Peteris CIMANIS Born: March 29, 1958, Talsi, LAT Sex: M Functions: Head Coach OWG: As a coach in 2002, 2006 and 2010

Janis LIEPA

Kaspars DUMPIS Born: December 23, 1982, Ogre, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: 2006 – 17th (as an athlete)

Born: March 24, 1957, Tukums, LAT Sex: M Function: Assistant Coach OWG: As a technical personnell in 2006, as a assistant coach 2010

Sandris BERZINS Born: Sex: Function: OWG:

July 15, 1976, Cesis, LAT M Technical personnell As an athlete in 1998 – 25th (singles) and 2002 – 10th (doubles); As a technical personnell in 2006 and 2010

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Einars FOGELIS

Function: NOC Vice President Latvian Olympic Committee FIL Vice President Born: April 30, 1960, Sigulda, LAT OG: Leader of the luge and bobsleigh team – 1992, 1994 OWG Assistant Chef de Mission – 1994 OWG Chef de Mission – 1996, 2000, 2004 OG 1998, 2002 OWG As NOC Secretary General – 2008 OG 2006, 2010 OWG

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SKELETON Martins DUKURS Event: Men’s Skeleton Born: March 31, 1984, Riga, LAT H/F: 178 cm, 75 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Hockey, auto, horses First Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) OWG: 2010 – 2nd; 2006 – 7th WCH: 2013 – 2nd; 2012 – 1st; 2011 – 1st ECH: 2013 – 1st; 2012 – 1st; 2011 – 1st WCUP: 2012/13 – 1st; 2011/12 – 1st; 2010/11 – 1st

SKELETON Officials and Athlete Dainis DUKURS Born: January 24, 1957, Aluksne, LAT Sex: M Function: Head Coach OWG: As a head coach in 2002, 2006 and 2010

Mareks MEZENCEVS Born: October 2, 1980, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

Mihails ARHIPOVS

Tomass DUKURS Event: Men’s Skeleton Born: July 2, 1981, Riga, LAT H/F: 186 cm, 86 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Hockey, football, movies, auto First Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) Coach: Dainis DUKURS (father) OWG: 2010 – 4th; 2002 – 21st WCH: 2013 – 8th; 2012 – 5th; 2011 – 9th ECH: 2013 – 3rd; 2012 – 2nd; 2011 – 4th WCUP: 2012/13 – 2nd; 2011/12 – 3rd; 2010/11 – 8th

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Born: November 10, 1984, Dresden, GER Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 2006 – 11th (4 Men Bob) and 2010 – 21st (4 Men Bob)

Lelde PRIEDULENA Event: Women’s Skeleton Born: July 20, 1993, Sigulda, LAT H/F: 163 cm, 59 kg Sex: F Hobbies: Beach volley First Coach: Mareks MEZENCEVS Coach: Dainis DUKURS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 24th WJCH: 2012 – 4th; 2011 – 9th ECH: 2013 – 14th; 2012 – 12th WCUP: 2012/13 – 26th; 2011/12 – 27th ECUP: 2010/11 – 37th

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SPEED SKATING Athlete and Officials Haralds SILOVS Event: Men’s 1500m; Men’s 1000m; (Men’s 5000m; Men’s 500m) Born: April 7, 1986, Riga, LAT H/F: 178 cm, 78 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Movies, cycling, reading, drawing First Coach: Lasma KAUNISTE, Karina PALASIUS Coach: Jeroen OTTER OWG: 2010 – Speed Skating 20th (5000m), Short Track 10th (1500m), 12th (500m), 14th (1000m) WCH sprint: 2013 – 2nd (1000m), 3rd (1000m), 18th (Total), 26th (500m), 30th (500m), 2012 – 5th (1000m), 8th(1000m), 17th (Total), 25th (500m), 27th (500m), 2011 – 30th (1000m), 35th (500m, Total), 39th (500m) WCH individual: 2013 – 9th (1500m), 10th (1000m) Wcup final: 2013 – 14th (1000m) ECH: 2013 – 7th (1500m), 9th (5000m), 10th (500m), 12th (Total), 2012 – 6th (500m, 1500m, 5000m, total), 9th (10000m), 2011 – 14th (500m, 5000m), 16th (Total), 20th (1500m)

Edvins SILOVS Born: December 11, 1958, Riga, LAT Sex: M Functions: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2006 and 2010

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SHORT TRACK Roberto PUKITIS Event: 1500m Men Born: December 16, 1994, Ventspils, LAT H/F: 171 cm, 71 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Movies, ice hockey First Coach: Maris BIRZULIS Coach: Jeroen OTTER OWG: No previous presence WCH sprint: 2013 – 2nd, 3rd (1000m), 18th (Total) Wcup final: 2013 – 14th (1000m) ECH: 2013 – 7th (1500m), 9th (5000m), 10th (500m), 12th (Total)

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ALPINE SKIING

Kristaps ZVEJNIEKS

Lelde GASUNA Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies: First Coach: Coach: OWG: WCH:

Women’s Giant Slalom; Women’s Slalom September 17, 1990, Sigulda, LAT 169 cm, 64 kg F Fixed-cycling, longboard

Gunta GASUNA Einars LANSMANIS No previous presence 2013 – 49th (S), 51st (GS); 2011 – 36th (S), 58th (GS)

Agnese ABOLTINA Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies: First Coach: Coach: OWG: WCH: EYOWF: YOWG:

Women’s Super-G; Women’s Giant Slalom; Women’s Slalom February 7, 1996, Riga, LAT 164 cm, 78kg F Piano, singing

Vita CIESNIECE Jorn Tore LINBERG No previous presence 2013 – 74th (GS) 2013 – 39th (S), didn’t finish GS 2012 – 16th (S), 22nd (SC), 27th (GS)

Martins ONSKULIS Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies: First Coach: Coach: OWG: WCH:

Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Slalom June 18, 1994, Sigulda, LAT 176 cm, 80 kg M Football

Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Slalom February 15, 1992, Riga, LAT 184 cm, 90 kg M Golf, roller-skating

First Coach: Jana ZVEJNIECE Coach: Peter PRODINGER OWG: 2010 – 37th (S), 62nd (GS) WCH: 2013 – 38th (GS), didn’t finish (S); 2011 – 36th (S), 54th (GS) WJCH: 2013 – 8th (combination), 14th (S), 33rd (GS), 47th (SG); 2012 – 35th (SG), 39th (GS), don’t finish (S); 2011 – 36th (S), 54th (GS)

Roberts RODE Event: Men’s Downhill; (Men’s Slalom; Men’s Giant Slalom; Men’s Super-G) Born: May 29, 1987, Riga, LAT H/F: 183 cm, 89 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Autosport First Coach: Coach: OWG: WCH:

Andis KORDE Andrejs RODE 2010 – 58th (DH), didn’t finish (SC) 2011 – didn’t finish (DH, SC); 2009 – 42th and 70th (GS), didn’t finish (S)

Stanislavs SOKOLENKO Dinars DORSS No previous presence 2013 – didn’t finish (S)

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ALPINE SKIING Officials Vairis BRIZE Born: June 13, 1965, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: President of NF OWG: 2010

Dinars DORSS Born: August 5, 1983, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2006 and 2010

Stanislavs SOKOLENKO Born: August 2, 1963, Polesska, RUS Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2010

Jana ZVEJNIECE Born: May 12, 1971, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As a coach in 2010

Dzintars MELVERS Born: June 4, 1973, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Technical personnell OWG: No previous presence

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CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Arvis LIEPINS Event: Men’s Ind. Sprint Free, (Men’s 15km Classic; Men’s 15km Free) Born: March 18, 1990, Madona, LAT H/F: 187 cm, 77 kg Sex: M Hobbies: Travelling

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING Officials Gatis BERZINS Born: September 12, 1983, Smiltene, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

First Coach: Dainis VUSKANS Coach: Jekabs NAKUMS OWG: No previous presence WCH: 2013 – 87th (15km); 2011 – 75th (15km) WJCH U-23: 2013 – 51st (15km), 54th (sprint); 2011 – 38th (sprint), 47th (30km), 58th – (15km)

Inga DAUSKANE Event: Women’s Ind.Sprint Free; Women’s 10km Classic Born: April 12, 1980, Gulbene, LAT H/F: 171 cm, 60 kg Sex: F Hobbies: Hunting, travelling, reading First Coach: Coach: OWG: WCH:

Event: Born: H/F: Sex: Hobbies:

Born: January 19, 1966, Lielvarde, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

Janis ANCS Jekabs NAKUMS No previous presence 2013 – 71st (sprint), 25th (sprint, team competitions), 83rd (10km); 2011 – 70th (sprint)

Janis PAIPALS

First Coach: Coach: OWG: WCH:

Andris GAILITIS

Men’s Ind. Sprint Free, Men’s 15km Classic September 28, 1983, Gulbene, LAT 180 cm, 80 kg M Rest in the nature

Jekabs NAKUMS Born: February 4, 1972, Priekule, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: As an athlete in 1998 and 2002

Janis ANCS Maris CAKARS 2010 – 54th (30km), 62nd (sprint), 72nd (15km) 2009 – 69th (sprint)

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ICE HOCKEY

Kristers GUDLEVSKIS

Sandis OZOLINS Born: August 3, 1972, Sigulda, LAT H/W: 190cm/95kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: August 2, 1996 OWG: 2002 – 9th place; 2006 – 12th place

Born: July 31, 1992, Ogre, LAT H/W: 192cm/86kg Position: Goal-keeper Club: Syracuse Crunch, AHL 1st Game: April 7, 2012 OWG: No previous presence #50 WC

MIN SEK GA

AVE

423

2.1264 0

PIM SO

PTS PIM

Ervins MUSTUKOVS

Arvids REKIS

MIN SEK GA

AVE

344

1.9817 0

PIM SO

PTS PIM

111

Edgars MASALSKIS

#31

127 7192 46

MIN SEK GA

AVE

320 2.6693 2

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171

Georgijs PUJACS Born: June 11, 1981, Riga, LAT H/W: 184cm/83kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: November 9, 2001 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

Born: March 31, 1980, Riga, LAT H/W: 176cm/85kg Position: Goal-keeper Club: HK SKP Poprad, Slovakia 1st Game: November 11, 2000 OWG: 2002 – 9th place; 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place WC

Born: January 1, 1979, Jurmala, LAT H/W: 180cm/90kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: August 13, 1997 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

Born: April 7, 1984, Riga, LAT H/W: 184cm/85kg Position: Goal-keeper Club: Esbjerg, Denmark 1st Game: September 4, 2004 OWG: 2010 – 12th place #1

PIM SO

142 10

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PTS PIM

135

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Krisjanis REDLIHS

Arturs KULDA

Born: January 15, 1981, Riga, LAT H/W: 189cm/93kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: April 10, 2002 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place #9

123 9

Born: July 25, 1988, Leipzig, GER H/W: 188cm/98kg Position: Defence Club: Salavat Yulaev Ufa, KHL 1st Game: April 15, 2006 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

PTS PIM

Ralfs FREIBERGS

Kristaps SOTNIEKS Born: January 29, 1987, Riga, LAT H/W: 184cm/76kg Position: Defence Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: December 17, 2008 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

Born: May 17, 1991, Riga, LAT H/W: 180cm/86kg Position: Defence Club: Bowling Green State Univ., NCAA 1st Game: April 19, 2013 OWG: No previous presence

#11 WC

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Born: January 21, 1987, Ogre, LAT H/W: 190cm/92kg Position: Defence Club: Donbass Donetsk, KHL 1st Game: April 25, 2005 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

Born: September 30, 1990, Riga, LAT H/W: 190cm/85kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: February 9, 2012 OWG: No previous presence

#37 WC

PTS PIM

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#29

Miks INDRASIS

Oskars BARTULIS

#32

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ICE HOCKEY

ICE HOCKEY Martins KARSUMS

Martins CIPULIS

#47

Born: November 29, 1980, Cesis, LAT H/W: 181cm/85kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: April 9, 2001 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place WC

162 51

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46 97

Born: February 26, 1986, Riga, LAT H/W: 178cm/90kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Moscow, KHL 1st Game: May 11, 2008 OWG: 2010 – 12th place WC

PTS PIM

Born: June 17, 1989, Riga, LAT H/W: 195cm/98kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: February 10, 2011 OWG: No previous presence

Born: July 1, 1984, Riga, LAT H/W: 180cm/83kg Position: Forward Club: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL 1st Game: September 5, 2003 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

PTS PIM

146 26

Lauris DARZINS

#24

PTS PIM

42 68

111

Janis SPRUKTS

Born: January 28, 1985, Riga, LAT H/W: 191cm/91kg Position: Forward Club: Dinamo Riga, KHL 1st Game: November 7, 2003 OWG: 2010 – 12th place #10

Mikelis REDLIHS

Vitalijs PAVLOVS

#79

#15

Born: January 31, 1982, Riga, LAT H/W: 189cm/85kg Position: Forward Club: Lokomotiv Yaroslavl, KHL 1st Game: April 12, 2000 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

PTS PIM

145 27

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Ronalds KENINS

#91

Koba JASS

Born: February 28, 1991, Riga, LAT H/W: 182cm/91kg Position: Forward Club: Zurich ZSC Lions, NLA 1st Game: February 11, 2011 OWG: No previous presence

Born: May 1, 1990, Riga, LAT H/W: 183cm/87kg Position: Forward Club: Bili Tygri Liberec, Czech Republic 1st Game: April 6, 2012 OWG: No previous presence

PTS PIM

Kaspars DAUGAVINS

#16

Born: May 18, 1988, Riga, LAT H/W: 185cm/93kg Position: Forward Club: Geneve Servette, NLA 1st Game: April 15, 2006 OWG: 2010 – 12th place

Born: April 8, 1982, Riga, LAT H/W: 191cm/94kg Position: Forward Club: HK SKP Poprad, Slovakia 1st Game: November 11, 2000 OWG: No previous presence

PTS PIM

115 11

113 24

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Armands BERZINS

Born: May 27, 1976, Riga, LAT H/W: 180cm/81kg Position: Forward Club: Krefeld Pinguine, DEL 1st Game: August 13, 1997 OWG: 2006 – 12th place, 2010 – 12th place WC

Juris STALS

Herberts VASILJEVS

#12

#51

Born: December 27, 1983, Riga, LAT H/W: 192cm/97kg Position: Forward Club: Beibarys Atyrau, Kazakhstan 1st Game: September 3, 2004 OWG: 2006 – 12th place; 2010 – 12th place

PTS PIM

44 68

133 10

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#21

184

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ICE HOCKEY Player and Officials

ICE HOCKEY Officials

Zemgus GIRGENSONS

Kirovs LIPMANS

Born: January 5, 1994, Riga, LAT H/W: 187cm/90kg Position: Forward Club: Buffalo Sabres, NHL 1st Game: May 5, 2013 OWG: No previous presence #28

PTS PIM

Ingus EGLITIS Born: January 21, 1969, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Equipment Manager OWG: No previous presence

Karlis ZIRNIS Born: November 2, 1977, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

Maris GORBUNOVS Born: January 14, 1983, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Media Manager OWG: No previous presence

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Born: November 5, 1940, Liepaja, LAT Sex: M Function: President of NF OWG: 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

John Theodor NOLAN Born: April 7, 1958, Sault Ste. Marie, CAN Sex: M Function: Head Coach OWG: No previous presence

Thomas Patrick COOLEN Born: November 20, 1953, Halifax, CAN Sex: M Function: Coach OWG: No previous presence

Maris BALDONIEKS Born: May 24, 1955, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: General Manager OWG: As a coach in 2002 and Administrative personnell in 2006 and 2010

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MEDICAL PERSONNELL Liga CIRULE Born: March 10, 1961, Riga, LAT Sex: F Function: Head doctor OG: As doctor in 2004, 2008 and 2012 OG; 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Aldis CIRULIS Born: May 5, 1957, Sigulda, LAT Sex: M Function: Doctor OG: As doctor in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 OG; 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

MEDICAL PERSONNELL Mareks OSOVSKIS Born: April 3, 1977, Saldus, LAT Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist OG: 2004, 2008 and 2012 OG; 2006 and 2010 OWG

Edvins LESENKOVS Born: January 19, 195, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist OG: 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 OG; 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Zane KRUZE Born: March 19, 1960, Riga, LAT Sex: F Function: Doctor OG: As doctor in 1992, 1994, 1998, 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Agris POTASS Born: October 7, 1983, Ludza, LAT Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist OG: No previous presence

Janis KVEPS

Janis KAUPE Born: February 8, 1983, Riga, LAT Sex: M Function: Doctor OG: No previous presence

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Born: October 13, 1940, Madona, LAT Sex: M Function: Doctor, Ice Hockey OG: As doctor in 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

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MEDICAL PERSONNELL Fjodors MAZURS Born: Sex: Function: OG:

November 27, 1956, Riga, LAT M Physiotherapist, Ice Hockey 2002, 2006 and 2010 OWG

Arnis NOVEICUKS Born: October 28, 1988, Riga, LA Sex: M Function: Physiotherapist, Ice Hockey OG: No previous presence

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LATVIAN ATHLETES IN THE OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES 1924-2014 YEAR

1924

WINTER GAMES

I Chamonix

1928

II Saint-Moritz

1936

IV Garmisch

PARTICIPANTS

LATVIAN ATHLETES IN THE OLYMPIC SUMMER GAMES 1912-2012

MEDAL gold

silver bronze

YEAR

SUMMER GAMES

PARTICIPANTS

MEDAL gold

silver bronze

1912

V Stockholm*

VIII Paris

1924

1928

IX Amsterdam

1932

X Los Angeles

1936

XI Berlin

1968

X Grenoble

1976

XII Innsbruck

1980

XIII Lake Placid

1952

XV Helsinki**

1984

XIV Sarajevo

1956

XVI Melbourne**

1988

XV Calgary

1960

XVII Rome**

1964

XVIII Tokyo**

1968

XIX Mexico**

XX Munich**

1992

XVI Albertville

1994

XVII Lillehammer

1972

1998

XVIII Nagano

1976

XXI Montreal**

2002

XIX Salt Lake

1980

XXII Moscow**

2006

XX Torino

1988

XXIV Seoul**

2010

XXI Vancouver

2014

XXII Sochi

1992

XXV Barcelona

1996

XXVI Atlanta

2000

XVIII Sydney

2004

XXVIII Athens

2008

XXIX Beijing

2012

XXX London

2016

XXXI Rio de Janeiro

* Helmuts BALDERIS won the Silver Medals bu them. He represented the USSR Ice Hockey Champion Team “Moscow CSKA“

* Latvian athletes participated as part of the Russian team. **Latvian athletes participated as part of the USSR team.

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LATVIA IN BRIEF

Republic of Latvia

Republic of Latvia Government

The Republic of Latvia was founded in 1918 on the coast of the Baltic Sea, in a territory that has been home to the Latvian language and culture for thousands of years.

Latvia is a democratic, parliamentary republic. Legislative power lies in the hands of a single chamber, the Saeima, which has 100 deputies. Parliamentary elections are held every 4 years. Latvia’s head of state, the President, is elected by the Saeima for a period of 4 years. There is universal suffrage for Latvian citizens over the age of 18.

Latvia’s territory consists of fertile lowland plains and moderate hills, with most of its territory situated around 100m above sea level. The country has vast forested areas, an extensive network of rivers, thousands of lakes, and hundreds of kilometers of seashore lined with pine forests, dunes, and white sandy beaches. The country’s strategic location between the Nordic countries and Russia has made it an international crossroad for trade, commerce, and cultural exchange since ancient times.

Language

Country code: LV Calling code: +371 Internet TLD: .LV (.EU) Time zone: EET (UTC/GME +2) Weights and measures: Metric EU since 2004 Natio nal day: November 18.

Foreign Policy

Riga

Latvia’s political, economic and cultural center is its capital city Riga, where more than one third of Latvia’s population lives and works. Riga is listed by UNESCO as one of the world’s most important cultural and architectural sites. Riga has hosted a NATO summit, a world Ice hockey championship in 2006, the Eurovision Song Contest, and many other large-scale international events; in 2014 Riga is the European Capital of Culture. Riga International Airport is one of the fastest growing travel hubs in Europe and provides flights to 81 destinations.

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Latvian is a language of the Balt group which belongs to the IndoEuropean language family. Its only linguistic relative is Lithuanian, considered to be among the oldest and least changed of all living IndoEuropean languages. It is estimated that 1,5 million people worldwide use Latvian as their primary language. English and Russian are widely spoken throughout Latvia, while German, French, and the Scandinavian languages are also frequently heard. Latvia joined the European Union and NATO in 2004. Cooperation with its neighbors in the Baltic Sea region is a priority for Latvia, and a key goal is development of strategic global ties.

Education

Latvia has traditionally had one of the highest ratios of students per capita in the world. The state guarantees free primary and secondary school education and offers scholarships for higher education. Latvia provides ethnic minority schools, where classes are taught in Belorussian, Estonian, Hebrew, Lithuanian, Polish, Roma, Russian, and Ukrainian.

Religious Confessions

Latvia is a secular state. The main religious confessions are Evangelic Lutheran, Roman Catholic, and Russian Orthodox but there is a strong ecumenical tradition.

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LATVIA IN BRIEF

Republic of Latvia

Economy

The main production sectors are IT, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, electronics, mechanical engineering, timber and construction, food processing, textiles, fishery, and agriculture. The Bank of Latvia is a participant of the European System of Central Banks. Since Latvia joined the EU, more than 20 international and national commercial banks have been operating in the country, offering a full array of banking services. Latvia’s three major ports – Riga, Ventspils, and Liepaja are ice-free and service a wide range of global shipping needs.

Currency

As of January 1, 2014 Latvia becomes the eighteenth Member State of the Euro zone. Previously the official currency was the Lat, consisting of 100 santīms.

Nature

With over 44 percent of its territory covered by forests, a vast network of free-flowing rivers and thousands of lakes, Latvia is one of Europe’s best-preserved havens for a wide variety of wildlife. Over 27 thousand species of flora and fauna thrive in natural settings that are still relatively undisturbed by man. Many rare species, such as the black stork and lesser spotted eagle, make their homes in Latvia’s mixed forests, marshes, and meadows.

Climate

Latvia’s weather features a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers, moderate winters, and high levels of humidity and precipitation. Summer: June – August +13°C +19°C, average precipitation 195 mm. Winter: December – February -7°C 0°C average precipitation: 116mm.

Distinguished Individuals ART Ilmārs Blumbergs, (1943), Inta Ruka (1958), Jānis Avotiņš (1981), Andris Eglītis (1981), Kristaps Ģelzis (1962), Katrīna Neiburga (1978) are some of most visible artists on the Latvian contemporary art scene. Internationally renowned Mark Rothko (1903-1970), Gustavs Klucis (1895-1938) were born in Latvia. LITERATURE Inga Bele (1972), Nora Ikstena (1969), Kārlis Vērdiņš (1979), Inese Zandere (1958) are just a few contemporary Latvian talents whose works have been translated into English, French, Czech and other languages. MUSIC Ēriks Ešenvalds (1977), Pēteris Vasks (1946) are internationally recognized composers. Mariss Jansons (1943) and Andris Nelsons (1978) are two of the most celebrated conductors on the global stage. FILM Jānis Nords (1983) has recently gained international recognition with his film “Mother, I love you”; film director Laila Pakalniņa (1962) has made a name for herself on the European Film landscape with her unique style. THEATRE Alvis Hermanis (1965) is one of the leading theatre directors in Europe; Vladislavs Nastavševs (1978), Valters Sīlis (1985) are two of the most promising young Latvian directors. SPORTS Māris Štrombergs (1987), double Olympic champion and the first ever winner of Olympic BMX, is currently the most popular athlete in Latvia. Artist Kristaps Ģelzis

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Writer Nora Ikstena

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LATVIA IS PROUD OF...

LATVIA IS PROUD OF... Nations have long understood that their greatest treasure is their people. Latvia is an exceptional example of how great people and great ideas can be born anywhere, and can make a small country very proud. This is just a brief look at the people, the ideas and achievements which bring Latvia’s name into the world, and which make Latvia proud.

COMPOSER PĒTERIS VASKS (1946) Pēteris Vasks is the most internationally renowned composer from Latvia. Vasks has regularly received commissions from world-famous musicians, including the Kronos Quartet. Many of his hauntingly beautiful works have been used by international choreographers in original ballet productions. Vasks is the only Latvian composer who has a contract with the renowned music publisher Schott Musik International.

CULTURE

CONDUCTOR MĀRIS SIRMAIS (1969) Māris Sirmais is one of Latvia’s most celebrated conductors. In 1990, as a student, he founded one of the best youth choir’s in Latvia – Kamēr…, and conducted it for 22 years, winning 60 national and international competitions. Sirmais is also the artistic director and chief conductor of the State Choir Latvija, which regularly participates in performances with prominent orchestras, musicians, and conductors.

MEZZO-SOPRANO ELĪNA GARANČA (1976) Endowed with a magnificent mezzo-soprano voice, Elīna Garanča has swiftly become one of the world’s brightest stars in classical music. She has collected several prestigious awards, such as from Echo Klassik and MIDEM, and performed at the world’s best operas in New York, Vienna, London and Paris. She is currently a soloist at the Wiener Staatsoper. CONDUCTOR ANDRIS NELSONS (1978) Andris Nelsons began his career as a trumpeter in the Latvian National Opera Orchestra, swiftly moving on to conducting the orchestra for several years. In 2008 Nelsons became musical director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and was named the musical director of the Boston Symphony Orchestra in the summer or 2013. He has received numerous raving reviews for his guest conductor appearances at the world’s best opera houses. COMPOSER ĒRIKS EŠENVALDS (1977) Ēriks Ešenvals is one of the most popular and beloved Latvian composers of the new generation. His piano, clarinet, and choral music has been performed in Germany, Austria, the United States, and elsewhere, and has been recorded by several international choirs on albums showcasing new Latvian music. He is currently resident composer at Cambridge University. Conductor Andris Nelsons

Mezzo-soprano Elīna Garanča

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PIANIST VESTARDS ŠIMKUS (1984) Šimkus started playing the piano at age 5, and went on to be educated at world-class academies, such as the Queen Sofia School of Music and the University of Southern California. Šimkus has performed and participated in music performances and festivals all over the world, earning the New Names of the Planet scholarship, the Estonian White Star medal, as well as the Latvian Grand Music Award. He has released five solo albums and won first place in several international piano competitions. ACCORDIONIST KSENIJA SIDOROVA (1988) Ksenija Sidorova has become famous worldwide as an accordionist who has injected accordion music with both quality and modernity, raised its status, and enhanced its popularity within the classic music genre. A number of famous composers have created works just for Ksenija. Ksenija has two solo albums to her name and multiple international prizes to her name. Accordionist Ksenija Sidorova

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Pianist Vestards Šimkus

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LATVIA IS PROUD OF...

LATVIA IS PROUD OF... DIRECTOR ALVIS HERMANIS (1965) Internationally renowned Latvian theater director Alvis Hermanis has been the director of Riga’s New Theater since 1997 and has more than 55 performances to his name, staged throughout Europe. Hermanis takes a documentary approach to theatre - the dramatic material is created together with the actors, based on attentive observations of real life situations and human behaviour. POP/ROCK BAND PRĀTA VĒTRA PRĀTA VĒTRA was established by four ambitious school mates and is undoubtedly the most popular band in Latvia. The band received international recognition in 2000 in the Eurovision Song Contest; in 2006 PRĀTA VĒTRA won the first ever BestBaltic Act award at the MTV Europe Music Awards. Recently the band has toured all over Europe, played at the Glastonbury festival, and performed as far away as Singapore. INDIE ELECTRO-POP DUO INSTRUMENTI The hottest new band from Latvia is the indie electropop duo Instrumenti, which consists of two classically trained musicians from Rīga – Jānis Šipkēvičs, who has one of the most impressive falsettos on the current music scene, and Reinis Sējāns, a master of harmonies. In 2011, the duo released its debut album, TRU, and their second album Procrastination came out in May 2013. The band has a devoted following in Rīga as well as on the European festival circuit. THE WONDERS OF LATVIAN ANIMATION Animation is one of Latvia’s most attractive exports. The most outstanding Latvian animators are the studios RIJA, AB, and Atom Art, as well as directors Signe Baumane, Nils Skapāns, and Director Alvis Hermanis

Pop/rock band BRAINSTORM

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Vladimir Lescov. RIJA has taken part in more than 40 international coproduction projects. One such collaboration, the animated film The Triplets of Belleville, was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Animated Feature in 2003. ILLUSTRATOR REINIS PĒTERSONS (1981) One of the most prolific Latvian illustrators, Reinis Pētersons, is known for his magnificent visual interpretations of books, particularly for children. He also works in character and set design, poster art, illustration, cartoons, and animation. His first charcoal on paper animation film about the loneliness of a motorcycling circus bear won awards both in Latvian and abroad. FILM DIRECTOR, SCRIPTWRITER, AND JOURNALIST LAILA PAKALNIŅA (1962) Laila Pakalniņa first received international recognition in 1996, when her documentaries Ferry and Post were included in the Cannes Film Festival and received the FIPRESCI award. In 2003, the film Python was included in the Venice Film Festival – the first time a Latvian film was demonstrated at the event. Whereas Dream Land was nominated for best documentary at the European Film Academy awards. Pakalniņa’s newest feature film Pizzas was awarded special prize by the jury of the 7th International Cinema XXI Rome Film Festival. at the FIL World Luge Championships (Men’s doubles: 2011, Mixed team: 2008, 2009). They also won three medals in the mixed team event at the FIL European Luge Championships with golds in 2008 and 2010, and a bronze in 2006.

Ilustrator Reinis Pētersons

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Filmdirector, scriptwriter, and jpournalist Laila Pakalniņa

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LATVIA IS PROUD OF...

SPORT BMX CYCLIST MĀRIS ŠTROMBERGS (1987) At the 2008 Summer Olympics, Māris Štrombergs became the first Olympic champion in BMX cycling. He continued to cement his Olympic glory at the 2012 London Games, scoring a second Gold medal. He continues to add more wins to his growing list of victories, including European and World Championship titles and the US National Cycling League champion title. BEACH VOLLEYBALL DUO JĀNIS ŠMĒDIŅŠ (1987) AND ALEKSANDRS SAMOILOVS (1985) The Latvian beach volleyball duo Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Jānis Šmēdiņš started playing together in the summer of 2012, after Šmēdiņš and his former partner Mārtiņš Pļaviņš returned from the London Olympic Games with Bronze medals. The duo were ranked #1 in 2013, according to the Beach Volleyball World Rankings.

BOBSLEIGH PILOT OSKARS MELBĀRDIS (1988) Oskars Melbārdis (1988) has competed since 2006. He started his career as a brakeman, most notably competing along Jānis Miņins, however starting from 2010-11 season Melbārdis has been competing as a pilot. World Cup standing in 2012/13 season won second place in 2 Man Bob and 4 Man Bob competitions, as well as became the winner in overall. LUGE RACERS JURIS ŠICS AND ANDRIS ŠICS Juris Šics (1983) and Andris Šics (1985) are brothers and a Latvian lugers who has competed since 1998. Competing in two Winter Olympics, they won a silver medal in the men’s doubles event at Vancouver in 2010. Both brothers won three bronze medals at the FIL World Luge Championships (Men’s doubles: 2011, Mixed team: 2008, 2009). They also won three medals in the mixed team event at the FIL European Luge Championships with golds in 2008 and 2010, and a bronze in 2006. SKELETON RACER MARTINS DUKURS (1984) Trained by his father, Martins Dukurs began competing in skeleton events in 1998. He is the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games silver medalist, has won four World Cups, and is a two time world champion and four time European champion.

BMX cyclist Māris Štrombergs Olympic champion in Beijing 2008 and London 2012

Beach volleyball duo Aleksandrs Samoilovs and Jānis Šmēdiņš World Top 1st 2013

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Luge racers Juris un Andris Šici Silver medalists in Vancouver 2010

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Skeleton racer Martins Dukurs Silver medalist in Vancouver 2010

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UNIFORMS

“When we truly realize where we come from and what we are, what we want to achieve and what helps our dreams to come true, only then we become a mighty forces. A Mighty Forces from Latvia. The Latvian Olympic Team.” Latvian Olympians Kristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing) Elīza Tiruma (Luge) Ulla Zirne (Luge)

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UNIFORMS

Latvian Olympians Kristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing) Ulla Zirne (Luge)

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UNIFORMS

Latvian Olympians Kristaps Zvejnieks (Alpine skiing) Eliza Tituma (Luge) Ulla Zirne (Luge)

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FAN UNIFORMS

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“Olimpiskais Sporta Centrs”, Grostonas iela 6b, Rīga, LV-1013

UDK 796(474.3) Ol 950 Latvian Olympic Committee Address: 49 Elizabetes street Riga, LV - 1010, Latvia Phone: +371 67282461 Fax: +371 67282123 E-mail: lok@olimpiade.lv www.olimpiade.lv

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Sochi 2014 Olympic Team Latvia Project Manager: Martins Malmeisters Inta Berente-Strenga Text: Martins Malmeisters Art Director: Inta Berente-Strenga Design: Signe Holendere www.due.lv Photo: LOC Archive, Ilmars Znotins Printed by: LTD IMANTA

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House of Latvia | 8-22 February, 2014

WELCOME TO TASTE SOUND AND BEAUTY OF LATVIA!

• Exciting stories and films about Latvia • Rich taste of national cuisine • Traditional Latvian dances and music • Live broadcasts • Unique meetings with Latvian athletes • Amazing evening events Find actual programme at: www.bd-event.ru Congress Hall | Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel 103 Kurortny Prospect Sochi, Russia ОRGANIZERS

PARTNERS

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Locomotive and wagon repair

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