European Games karate champion Alvin Kariqi was honored this Tuesday with the "Star of Public Recognition" medal.

At the ceremony was also present Prime Minister Edi Rama, who said that Alvini is an example to be followed by all sports enthusiasts.

Furthermore, the head of government emphasized that this ceremony should serve as an example of inspiration for all those sportsmen who want to nurture their passion.

"We do this ceremony to express our gratitude to the champions, but also to give everyone the opportunity to take a little bit of their example, to take a little bit of their strength, faith, will, and willingness to overcome any difficulty, because until the moment when the flag is raised and the anthem is sung, it is not just what the rest of us see in the development of a competition, but it is a whole story that no one sells, except the one who made it, starting from the wakes before dawn and ends every dinner with the readiness to wake up again before dawn", emphasized Prime Minister Edi Rama.

During his speech, Prime Minister Rama said that Albania has left behind the "forgetfulness" of athletes, who were often forced to change their flag and represent other countries due to the opportunities they had in Albania.

According to him, thanks to the investments, the image of sports in our country has improved.

"Small Albania, which is not among the small countries, offers the champions a support that few countries have, especially in these sports, which do not enter the big industries, such as football. Today we have athletes who come from other countries and who choose Albania as their second homeland and raise our national flag, because here they benefit from these new conditions created and from this new framework of support", emphasized Prime Minister Rama .

On his part, the karate champion appeared excited, while thanking all those people who stand by the athletes of all disciplines.

"If this medal were a pizza, I would share it with everyone. I have you all in my heart. Thank you for your support of the sport. Thank you for helping the sport", he said.