The Romanian delegation won eight medals at the European Rowing Championships in Munich, and after returning to the country, it was greeted only by journalists and officials of the Romanian Rowing Federation. Sports Minister Eduard Novak explained on Facebook why he was not present at the event, which took place at the official Salon in Otopeni.

Eduard Novak explained why he was not present at the reception of rowers who won medals at the World Championships in Munich

Novak wrote that the reception was organized by the Romanian Rowing Federation, and the Ministry of Sports was not invited to participate in the organization or the event itself, nor did it receive official information about it.

“I want to once again congratulate the Romanian rowers, as well as the coaches, the federation and everyone who supported their excellent results, with their historic performances at the European Championships. I sent congratulatory messages, public and private, as well as during the competitions I followed closely, with emotion, pride and interest.

The reception of our delegation after returning to the country was organized by the Romanian Rowing Federation. The Federation prepared the event, took care of renting the Official Hall and invited the press. The Ministry of Sports was not invited to participate either in the organization or in the event itself, and also did not receive official information on this matter. I assure you that we would be very happy to accept any offer to participate in any form, as we have done so many times when Romanian athletes returned to the country with international results” – Eduard Novakin a Facebook post.

Romanian rowers are heroes

Eduard Novak says that he has a lot of respect for rowing and therefore decided to increase the allocated budget by more than 50 percent.

“I have a lot of respect for rowing, it is one of the sports with the most consistent and long-standing performance traditions. The correct assessment of the results already achieved, as well as the potential that this sport has, has forced the Ministry of Sports to increase the budget allocated to the Romanian Rowing Federation by more than 50% this year. All appeals to the ministry were approved, we showed openness and support, precisely because we respect value and competence.

The results in Munich are truly historic. It is a shame that these moments of glory, which athletes are entitled to and should enjoy to the fullest, are stolen against a backdrop that has nothing to do with results or reality, with the essence of sport or success. And it’s a pity that the return of junior gymnasts does not receive the same attention/

I assure you that there is no greater joy for me than the success of an athlete, and that I have the utmost respect for the sacrifices and work behind these successes. Romanian rowers are heroes. I wish they would not be overshadowed by this false conflict, and I thank them for the joy they have brought to all of us!” – Eduard Novak.