The Latvian Bronze Champions returned home to Riga.
Then the hysteria was complete.
About 50,000 gathered in the square around the Freedom Monument for the celebration.
It is often said that no one remembers a runner-up, but Latvia’s historic bronze medal at the World Cup of Hockey will be long forgotten by the people of Latvia.
On Monday, the champions returned home to the capital, Riga, and were greeted with a fervor and hysteria comparable to the hype in Sweden after their bronze medal at the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
“unify the nation”
according to a task About 50,000 in the square around the Freedom Monument for the celebration. This is after Parliament voted, just before midnight, on a motion to make Monday, May 29, a holiday.
According to Dagens Nyheter, Latvian President Eglis Levits was in the locker room after the victory over the USA yesterday and gave a speech to the players describing the achievement as one of the greatest of all – all categories.
– It united the nation, just like in the 1990s and after all the difficulties we faced, this was very important for our country, he said according to DN.
“Very proud”
This was Latvia’s first medal at the Hockey World Cup.
Back home in Riga, the team was once again congratulated by President Iglis Levits. Also in attendance was Prime Minister Chrisjanis Karens, who gave a speech that the national hockey team “inspired an entire nation”.
– We’re very proud to stand here and receive medals from the President, but it’s great to see this sea of people and to feel your appreciation. We hope to continue uniting the nation, said captain and veteran Kaspars Dugavins, according to Dina newspaper.
