Baltic teams depart for Winter Olympics

Members of the three Baltic Olympic teams have departed for the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Latvian and Lithuanian athletes traveled together with officials including Latvian President Andris Berzins and Lithuanian President Algirdas Butkevicius on Jan. 6.

A total of 25 Estonian athletes also departed for the games yesterday.

Žoržs Tikmers, Head of Latvian Olympic Delegation said the team was the strongest in its Olympic history. He said: “Latvia is proud to send its strongest Winter Olympic team ever to Sochi. We are delighted to have World and European champions and medalists, and winners of various competitions.

He added: "I am confident that Sochi Winter Olympics will be exciting for all sports fans in Latvia.”

Latvian President Andris Berzins praised the 28 athletes attending the games. He said: "I congratulate the Olympians on participating in the Olympics - every athlete's dream. I wish our big personalities, especially in hockey, to form a close-knit team so that the rest of us could root for them," said Berzins. "Together with Lithuania, we can achieve much more," added the president."

Lithuania has sent nine athletes to the games. Athletes include figure skating and cross country skiing.

Lithuanian President Algirdas Butkevicius added: "I am happy that we are going to the most important event of the Olympic movement together," said Lithuanian Prime Minister Algirdas Butkevicius. This proves once again that there is solidarity among the Baltic States, added the Lithuanian PM.

Estonian athletes, meanwhile, will participate in cross country skiing and the triathlon among others.

The Sochi Winter Olympic Games take place on Feb. 7-23.