Cetate's heroes

Sat, June 2nd. 2000 people gathered in front of the House of Culture in downtown Deva to take part in the retirement ceremony for two former gymnasts Maria Olaru and Lavinia Milosovici. The spectators gave the two gymnasts a standing ovation when they were introduced and everyone turned their attention towards center stage, even the people who just came out for Cetate’s celebrations, an open-air party that is held annually at Deva. Maria and Lavinia were elegantly dressed, in black slacks and a white-and-black shirt and a suit respectively.

The ceremony was opened by the representative of Deva’s Businessmen Association, who also organized the event and gave out most of the prizes. The businessmen gave both Maria and Lavinia a prize of 50 million lei (about $1700) as a reward for their entire gymnastics career. It is interesting to note that the tow gymnasts did not receive the money in cash, but they signed an agreement saying the prize money will be transferred to their bank account as soon as possible. Several companies from Humidor also offered them prizes consisting of object and Deva’s mayor, Mircea Munteanu gave them a plaque that read “Thank you Maria! Thank you Lavinia!” Their arms filled with flower bouquets, the two gymnasts had the last word, just like they did on the competition floor, thanking everyone for the prizes and recognition they received and wishing continued success to the current national team.

The National team also attended the ceremony, accompanied by head coach Octavian Belu and assistant coach Mariana Bitang, both of whom received a color TV from the organizers. Belu was enthusiastic about the ceremony, but also about the fact that they found the money for it [the retirement ceremony]. “As long as we don’t have a sponsoring law to attract sponsors, events of this type will be more and more rare.” Andreea Răducan said she wants to “defend our world title and, God willing, I want to hit all four events in the all-around competition.” She added her good luck wishes for the retired gymnasts, saying she hopes they will work as coaches in the future. At the press conference that followed the event, Deva’s mayor said the gymnastics team is a true symbol of Deva and they will build a statue called the monument of world women’s gymnastics in Deva. The artwork will be a glass block, formed by uneven bars, placed around a bust of Nadia Comăneci. The former Olympic champion already agreed to this. The statue will be placed in front of the Deva hotel, in the middle of a merry-go-round road (same as the one around the Arc de Triomphe in Paris) that will be built in the future.

Maria Olaru "Honestly, I am happy that everyone in Deva didn't forget what we've done while we were [competitive] gymnasts. It's hard to leave the sports world behind, and sometimes go out by the back door. I think I'll always remain next to the gymnasts, next to my teammates and I won't forget this gesture from the people of Deva who are very special to me. I love you just as much [as you love me] and I'm proud to have competed for CSS Deva.".

Lavinia Milosovici "What could I say now? I think this is where the true fans of the sport are. They always supported us. Honestly, I can and want to say that I wasn't expecting this gesture from the people of Deva. I want to thank the sponsors in my name and Maria's."

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