BRATISLAVA – Nearly two weeks of celebration for the silver-medal winning Slovak national ice hockey team culminated with a reception at the Presidential Palace on Thursday.

The successful players and staff members were honoured by Slovakia’s President Ivan Gasparovic. After his speech the players were invited to a ceremonial lunch at the government office prepared by Prime Minister Robert Fico.

Gasparovic praised the success of the national team that won the silver medals at the 2012 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Helsinki and Stockholm and called it a gold-medal win for the whole country.

“I’m very glad that I can thank you for the joy that I have had for three weeks. All Slovaks were with you and followed the performance you did for our country. Your silver is gold for us,” Gasparovic said when addressing the players.