Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs held a reception at the Rīga Palace to honor the participants of the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan-Cortina. He particularly emphasized the solidarity of Latvian athletes with Ukraine, which he described as valuable as gold in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions. The event celebrated not only the athletes’ achievements but also the ethical stance taken by the Latvian delegation against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine.

During the reception, Rinkēvičs acknowledged the accomplishments of two notable athletes: Elīna Ieva Bota, who won a silver medal in luge, and Roberta Krūzberga, who secured a bronze in short track. The President further highlighted that sports and political issues often intersect, referencing the restrictions placed on Ukrainian athletes during the Winter Olympics, which, according to him, limited their freedom of expression regarding the ongoing conflict in their country. This, he felt, was an unjust situation.

Rinkēvičs' remarks underscore Latvia's growing involvement in the Olympics and support for Ukraine, with the country being represented by its largest delegation to date at the Winter Games – 68 athletes across nine sports and 28 disciplines. The recognition of their achievements alongside a call for solidarity with Ukraine signals a commitment to both sport and social responsibility, reflecting broader themes of international cooperation and ethical representation at the Olympic Games.