Penza, 25 August 2016. PenzaNews. Prime Minister, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Russian Olympians Support Fund Dmitry Medvedev presented the keys to white BMW cars to the winners and prize-winners of the Olympic Games 2016, including the Penza region gymnasts Anastasia Bliznyuk, Aliya Mustafina and Denis Ablyazin.

Photo: Government.ru

The ceremony was held on Ivanovskaya Square in the Kremlin in Moscow on Thursday, August 25.

The champions received BMW X6, silver medalist — BMW X4, and bronze winners — BMW X3. All vehicles are assembled in Russia.

In addition, it is expected that the gold winners will be paid 4 million rubles, the second and third places will receive 2.5 and 1.7 million rubles, respectively.

“Today, I, as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Olympians Support Fund would like to present to you, the winners and prize-winners of the Olympic Games, the car keys. This is not the only fund award. The fund board have decided to encourage you with a money prize in the amount comparable to the state prize payouts. I'm sure you deserve it, and once again congratulations,” Dmitry Medvedev said, addressing the athletes.

Photo: Government.ru

He added that the Fund will also transfer money to the Russian Olympic Committee for financial assistance to the members of the national team in athletics, which the IOC suspended from participation in the Games.

“We believe that this is the right thing to do. We have no doubt that if it were not for this unjust decision, they have been successful and contributed to the treasury of our medals bringing gold,” the Prime Minister stressed.

“And you, dear friends, I would like to sincerely thank you once again for the victories that you achieved under the Russian flag. We watched the competitions, cheered you on and enjoyed every victory in a variety of sports. Frankly, for me it was special Olympics and special emotion, because the value of each medal, the success that you have achieved, were more convincing than in ordinary circumstances. I believe you felt it. Thanks for your brilliant performances. I'm sure, dear friends, that you have many victories to win,” the press service of the Russian government quoted Dmitry Medvedev.

As PenzaNews reported earlier, prior to this Penza athletes who showed high results in Olympic Games 2016 received state awards.

The first to receive the state award from the hands of the president of Russia — the Order of Honor — was Anastasia Bliznyuk, representing the Penza region in a parallel offset. On August 21 she won gold as a part of the national team in rhythmic gymnastics in group exercises.

Also the Order of Honor was awarded to Aliya Mustafina, who won gold on the bars, bronze in the individual all-round and silver as part of the Russian women's team in gymnastics. Since the end of 2014 she trained in Penza under the guidance of local coach Sergei Starkin.

Another student of the coach was awarded the state order in the Kremlin — Penza athlete Denis Ablyazin, who won silver as a part of the Russian national team and took the third place on the rings, and the second in the vault. He was awarded the Order of Friendship.

Bronze and silver medalist received awards earlier, which were handed by Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko and presidential aide Igor Levitin.