RSU Latvian Academy of Sport Education graduates among recipients of Three Star Award 2024
On 15 January, athletes, teams, coaches and municipalities were honoured at the Three Star Award ceremony at the Riga Circus. The awards in the categories of Youth Sports Coach of the Year, Sports Teacher of the Year and Small Sports Team of the Year were presented to graduates of the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Latvian Academy of Sport Education (LASE).
Special recognition went to Ģirts Kātiņš, a 2007 RSU LASE graduate, who was named Youth Sports Coach of the Year 2024. Kātiņš is a BMX coach at the Smiltene Children and Youth Sports School and has been working with young people for more than 15 years, trained several Latvian, European and World Championship medallists, as well as participants in the Olympic Games. This summer, he coached Veronika Monika Stūriška in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games. The nomination was made by the Board of Directors of the Sports Educational Institutions of Latvia.
Iveta Caune, a teacher at Riga Secondary School No. 49 and a 2002 RSU LASE graduate, received the Sports Teacher of the Year 2024 award. For 23 years, she has inspired students with creative and engaging sports classes, developing innovative teaching methods based on best practices from other countries. According to her students say, it’s never boring to attend her classes.
Mārtiņš Pļaviņš’ and Kristians Fokerots’ beach volleyball team has been named the winner of the Small Sports Team of the Year 2024 award. Pļaviņš, a 2024 RSU LASE master's graduate, combined his experience with his partner's youthful enthusiasm to win the 2024 European Championship title and bronze at the Pro Beach Elite 16 world event. Pļaviņš has also been nominated for this year's Sports Coach of the Year award, a testament to his versatility and excellence as both a player and a coach.
Rihards Snikuss, who was awarded the title of Paralympic Athlete of the Year 2024, was a standout, bringing home two gold medals in para dressage from the Paris Paralympic Games. Snikuss' success is also due to his coaching team that includes Darja Tihomirova, a 2023 RSU LASE master's graduate, who made a significant contribution to his psychological preparation and technical development.
Congratulations to all the award winners and best wishes for continued sporting success in 2025!