President Receives Students Who Won International Olympiad Medals

Bratislava, January 13 (TASR) - President Peter Pellegrini on Monday met 35 secondary school students who won gold, silver and bronze medals at the international Olympiads in school subjects, along with 22 teachers who helped them to prepare, and both students and teachers received awards for their success from Education Minister Tomas Drucker (Voice-SD) at the Presidential Palace. "You're a guarantee that Slovakia isn't facing stagnation, but that it has worthy successors in you who will one day spread the good name of the Slovak Republic in the world. After all, you are already contributing to this with your talent now," said Pellegrini. The president stated that the young people's participation in the Olympiads anticipates their future steps in life and professional orientation. He stressed that the successful students set an example for all their peers and the entire current young generation. According to Pellegrini, it's increasingly true that the wealth of individual countries is measured not only by natural resources but also by the intellect and ingenuity of their people. Drucker added that the results of the students in the Olympiads in computer science, physics, biology, chemistry and languages show that Slovakia is a country of many exceptional young people. "You have proven that knowledge and the ability to compete with the best is still strong in our country," he stated. The minister also thanked the teachers for guiding and motivating the students on this journey. At the same time, he asked the students not to forget Slovakia when pursuing their dreams. lin/df