On 3 April at the Riga Castle, President of Latvia Egils Levits together with the best Latvian orienteers and veterans of this sport, celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Latvian Orienteering Federation (LOF) and participated in a symbolic orienteering competition game, thus starting preparations for the 3 May orienteering competition "Stars Relay", whose patron is President of Latvia Egils Levits.
"It is my great pleasure to welcome a family of orienteers to Riga Castle. Orienteering is the most democratic sport. Everyone can participate, regardless of age and physical abilities. In this sport both the human spirit and the body are trained," said President Levits.
"This year, our orienteering federation celebrates its 60th anniversary. Generations have changed over the years, but the joy of searching has always been alive. This sport is a way of life for many of us. I believe that the orienteering competition "Stars Relay" will be the start of a great tradition, and I hope that it will continue for many years to come," said LOF President Dagnis Dubrovskis.
Gunārs Dukšte, the author of the "Stars Relay" idea, welcomed the veterans and young stars of orienteering and emphasized that the relay is a new format of the competition, which will be held for the first time on the eve of the Independence Day of the Republic of Latvia, May 3, in the Brasla forests of the Gauja National Park. The competition is planned as a relay from 20.00 until nightfall in teams of five in light and dark modes. The President's Cup winners and runners-up will be awarded just after midnight on 4 May. For up-to-date information, visit www.zvaigznustafete.lv and on the Facebook page @zvaigznustafete.lv.
