The centenary celebrations of the Estonian Olympic Committee began with the raising of the flag at Toompea

2023-12-08 13:30:05

Kristina Smigun-Vähi, Urmas Sõõrumaa and Indrek Sey. Photo: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu

The flag was raised by two-time Olympic medalist and member of the Riigikogu Kristina Šmigun-Vähi, the first medalist after the restoration of Estonia’s independence Indrek Sei and the President of the Estonian Olympic Committee Urmas Sõirumaa. The ceremonial raising of the flag took place at 9:02, the press service of the Riigikogu reported on Friday.

After this, at a ceremony held in the White Hall of Toompea Castle, the Speaker of the Riigikogu, Lauri Hussar, presented the EOC with the flag that had previously flown on the Long Hermann. “Raising the Estonian flag to the accompaniment of the anthem during the medal ceremony at the Olympic Games has always been a great expression of recognition for the Republic of Estonia. The flag raising ceremony that took place today at the Long Hermann, in which members of the EOC took part, again has a symbolic meaning in celebrating the centenary of the organization. It is an honor for me to hand over the blue-black-white flag that is so dear to our hearts, which previously flew on the Long Hermann Tower, and thus express my gratitude and appreciation to our athletes, coaches and everyone who supports Estonian sports,” said the Speaker of the Riigikogu.
Kadri Tali, member of the Riigikogu Culture Committee and chairperson of the group in support of cooperation between cultural organizations and entrepreneurs, also took part in the flag handover ceremony.

The Estonian Olympic Committee was founded on December 8, 1923 and is dedicated to the development of professional sports, expanding opportunities for youth sports and promoting an active lifestyle. The organization emphasizes the importance of maintaining fair play. The modern EOC was formed in 2001 as a result of the merger of the Estonian Olympic Committee, which was responsible for Olympic sports, and the Estonian Central Sports Union, which united all Estonian sports organizations. Members of the EOC are Estonian sports unions and associations, county sports unions and individuals elected on the basis of the Olympic Charter.

The EOC is also responsible for the participation of the national team in the Olympic Games. In total, Estonian and Estonian-born athletes won 81 medals (27 gold, 23 silver and 31 bronze) at the Olympic Games.

Photo: Erik Peinar, Chancellery of the Riigikogu

The post The celebration of the centenary of the Estonian Olympic Committee began with the raising of the flag on Toompea first appeared on gazeta.ee.