19th Vocational Schools’ Sports Games of the Baltic States in Latvia
On May 12, 2011 in the city of Ventspils (western part of Latvia) 19th Vocational Schools’ Sports Games of the Baltic States were opened with a festive procession accompanied by a brass band. The event involved more than 400 participants from Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
“This year the event is not only the competition of physical strength, but also the meeting of representatives from the Baltic vocational education establishments, which provides an opportunity to share experience, to discuss cooperation possibilities and future plans. It is a welcomed initiative, since currently the measures related to promoting quality of vocational education and aiming to develop modern vocational education system corresponding to the needs of economy and fostering students’ development,” these words were expressed by the President of Latvia Valdis Zatlers in his written welcoming address.
Mr Rolands Broks, the Minister of Education and Science of the Republic of Latvia, when opening the sports games, welcomed all participants and expressed his satisfaction that during the games vocational education, which is gaining more and more prominent place in the Latvian education system and among young people, is presented parallel to the sporting activities.
The opening ceremony was also attended by representatives from the ministries of education of Lithuania and Estonia.
19th Vocational Schools’ Sports Games of the Baltic States held until May 14. Both students and school employees and headmasters participated in the competitions. Students and staff participated in such disciplines as basketball, volleyball and table tennis. While the headmasters’ competition darts, free throws and novuss. This year, apart from sporting competitions, also many other activities were arranged – vocational schools’ presentations, discussion of vocational education experts, as well as students’ concert and demonstrations of craft skills.
Vocational Schools’ Sports Games of the Baltic States take place every year in another Baltic country, for example, in 2010 the event was organized in Lithuania.
Summarized results of Sports Games are here.
Source: MoES, www.izm.gov.lv
