- January 31, 2014
- 357
Vilnius Region Government’s represantitves rewarded with Prince Gediminas Prizes
On 24 January 2014 in the Miedininkai Castle, the distinguished businessmen, cultural and educational activists and representatives of other disciplines were granted Prince Gediminas Prizes for their contribution in 2013.
Before the prize ceremony, all participants had the opportunity to take part in a trip on the restored tower and reveal the castle’s secrets, to see the cannons, stone projectiles, archaelogical finds, Lithuanian Grand Dukes’ weapons dating back to 14th – 18th centuries, hunter’s trophies of President Algirdas Brazauskas, bowie knives and Giedrius Kazimierėnas’ paintings collection called “The Day of Wrath”.
Excited with the medieval atmosphere, the participants gathered in the representational chamber on the fifth floor for a glamorous prize ceremony. The attendees were welcomed by the head of the Tripartite Concil of Vilnius Region Nijole Turčinavičienė who wished them solemn humor and well-spent time.
The musical part of the gala included works of W.A. Mozart, Stanisław Moniuszko and J.S. Bach, performed by the Zujūnų string quartet, and songs performed by the Pagirių school’s students.
The mayor of Vilnius Region Maria Rekść, as a host of the event, was satisfied that it was the Miedininkai Castle which had been chosen for a venue of the gala, since it is still appreciated for its remarkable history and mysterious character. “Today, exceptional people will be rewarded, thanks to whose contribution and effort, the prosperity of the whole community can be enhanced. We thank people who create more beautiful, more prosperous and brighter lives for their communities’ members and encourage them to undertake civil actions”, the mayor said.
Three representatives of the Vilnius Region Government were nominated for the Prince Gediminas Prizes. The Ist Award, “For achievements on social infrastructure’s development”, was received by the Chief Doctor of the Central Clinif of the Vilnius Region Vida Žvirblienė, who is commited to her work, able to understand her patients’ needs and who strives for the development of medical service’s quality in the region. The doctor, thanking for the prize, said that the appreciation should be also expressed to her staff. Vida Žvirblienė has been working in the Vilnius Region for 46 years. She is proud that in the last few years, applying the funds from the EU, it was possible to better organise regional clinics and purchase new medical equipment. It would not have been possible without the local government’s help.
The IInd Prize, “For achievements in the field of the human capital’s development” is given to “lantern people” who, thanks to their creativity, hard work and activity, are able to “light the way” for the others and to be a shining model for them. These people work in the areas where development of the basic national values, educating, schoolwork, helping others are aims and meanings of life. This Prize was received by Marian Kaczanowski, the principal of the Regional Sports School.
The Secondary Prize, “For achievements in the field of reasserting the financial and productive capital” was also given to Virginijus Gumbaragis, the director of ZSA „PakMarkas“, who distinguished himself by his remarkable ability to evaluate the real situation in the market and efficient process management. Apart from his professional obligations, he is socially active person. He is able to create a team of competent workers which stands out with its high motivation for achieving their common objectives.
After the gala, the awarded were congratulated by mayor Rekść, vice-mayor Czesław Olszewski and Vice-director of Administration Robert Komarowski.
After the official part of the event, the participants were invited to watch the medieval knights’ show. Knights from the “Ancient warrior” knighthood granted mayor Rekść the statuette of Vytautas the Great which symbolises courage and strength – the most important features of the medieval knight.
Prince Gediminas Prizes have been organised since 2003. The idea of appreciating the people of the region for their best results in different fields was put forward by the Tripartite Concil of Vilnius Region. Before, it was the Administration of the Vilnius Region’s Head that proposed the candidates. The questionnaires of the candidates are submitted by 8 self-governments of the Region (the city of Vilnius and regions of Vilnius, Elektrėnai, Šalčininkai, Širvintos, Švenčionys, Trakai and Ukmergė), as well as representatives of trade unions and employers of the Region.
Tłumaczenie by Szymon Wnuk w ramach praktyk w Europejskiej Fundacji Praw Człowieka, www.efhr.eu. Translated by Szymon Wnuk within the framework of a traineeship programme of the European Foundation of Human Rights, www.efhr.eu.
