Prime Minister Edi Rama has honored the karate champion at the European Games, Alvin Karaqi, with the "Star of Public Recognition" medal.
The athlete from Kosovo, who represented Albania, brought the first medal of the Olympic Games after winning the gold medal at the European Games "Krakow 2023".
"Another champion, another outstanding example for everyone. In the case of Alvin, a champion who has a great uniqueness because while he can rise to the top of the difficult and challenging international competition in his sport, he is also a daily, tireless servant of the health of the people in Switzerland, where the standards are the highest in the world and professions such as doctor's are the best in the world. There are no medals in this second event, but if there were, it would not be surprising that Alvini would receive a medal in that field as well.
He is an example for anyone who, in the path of his passion, is ready to sacrifice and engage despite the difficulties, he feeds, lives with the idea of climbing to the top and being a champion. I was very impressed by Alvin's passionate love for his country and his living with the red and black flag as a part of himself, as his second skin.
This is not rhetoric, but a tangible fact for anyone who talks to Alvin and hears him talk about his connection to the country. Alvin, in addition to being the son that every parent would like to have, is undoubtedly also the son-in-law that every father-in-law would like to have. We hold these ceremonies to express gratitude to the champions, but also to set an example for all young people.
I am very privileged and lucky that today due to the duty I am here on this podium to express to Alvin, gratitude, respect and willingness to help, not only Alvin but all our athletes. Today we can say with full mouth that little Albania, which is not among the rich countries, offers these athletes, sports that take place at a much more modest level of sponsorship than football, offers them more support. This is illustrated by the number of young champions we have", said Prime Minister Rama.