Other events in Baltic States

Defense Minister Raimonds Bergmanis (Greens/Farmers), a former Olympian himself, will represent the Latvian government at the upcoming 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, governmental spokeswoman Lita Juberte told LETA.

Bergmanis will be attending the Summer Olympic Games, including the opening ceremony and other events, from August 4 to 11.

"I am honored by the opportunity to be with our athletes at these Olympic Games. I know from my own experience how significant support and encouragement can be, especially when competing under the flag of your country very far from Latvia. I hope that in Rio de Janeiro I will be able to instill more optimism and confidence in the athletes that we can return home with medals. Latvia has proven this on several occasions already," the minister said.

Bergmanis, a former weightlifter, carried the Latvian flag at the opening ceremony of the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona.

The Rio 2015 Olympics are taking place from August 5 to 21. Latvia will be taking part in the international sporting event with a team of 33 athletes.