By Sergei Khamentovsky: Today, the Independence Palace received those who brought our country world sports glory. In Sochi, Belarusian athletes proved that they can be winners. Medals, five of which are gold, are, undoubtedly, the most outstanding athletic success in the history of the sovereign Belarus. In the medal standings, our country took 8th place among the top ten countries, ahead of many traditional favorites.
The freestyle coach Nikolai Kozeko was awarded the Order of Fatherland of the First Degree, Alla Tsuper, Anton Kushnir, and Nadezhda Scardino received Orders of Fatherland of the Third Degree. The winner of three gold medals Darya Domracheva was bestowed the star of the Hero of Belarus.
Thus, the Head of State marked the merits of each winner, whom he called the pride and dignity of the Belarusian nation. He also reminded about the contribution of the state in the development of sport and urged not to forget about the existing problems.













