On Friday, 20 February, a reception dedicated to the 108th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia was held at the Valga Cultural Centre, where outstanding people and colleges of Valga municipality and county were recognised.
The festive evening was hosted by Kristiina Ersto and Hardo Adamson.
Speeches were delivered by Mati Kikkas, Chairman of Valga Municipal Council, and Mart Kase, Mayor of the Municipality. Vents Armands Krauklis, Chairman of the Valka Parish Duma, also welcomed the guests with an Estonian speech, emphasising the good cooperation and common future of the two border towns.
In his speech, Mayor Mart Kase quoted President Lennart Meri's idea of the Estonian state as a ship on the high seas - a strong and steady ship heading towards a common goal. He stressed that the region's strength lies not only in its businesses and economy, but above all in its people - those who create jobs, grow food, provide services and keep our villages and towns alive.
„An entrepreneurial person doesn't ask if they can, they ask how they can. If somehow you can't, somehow you can. And that is an attitude we need very much,“ said the mayor.
Valga Municipality Ring of the Year 2026 laureates
Valga Food Bank team
The Valga Municipality's Year of Valga 2026 was awarded to the Valga Food Bank team - a dedicated collective consisting of a coordinator and ten volunteers. For more than two years, they have been supporting people in need in Valga, Tõrva and Otepää municipalities, reaching both urban and remote rural areas.
Food circles take place three times a week. The bus stops at agreed locations and, if necessary, help is brought directly to the home - where the person cannot go themselves. Their work has brought tears of thanks, relief and hope.
The team offers help with dignity and discretion - to large families, the elderly, people with reduced mobility and those who would otherwise go unnoticed. Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve are also on the road, because caring has no calendar. In addition to individuals, churches and a number of non-profit organisations are supported. Thanks to good cooperation with local producers, the aid distributed is varied and of high quality.
Valga Sports Club MTÜ
The Valga Sports Club NGO, whose activities are aimed at regular exercise for children and young people and the development of healthy lifestyles, also received recognition.
Children as young as three years old can start playing sport at the club. Advanced youngsters train in Greco-Roman wrestling, a sport that develops discipline, self-control and mental strength as well as physical fitness.
The year 2025 brought significant sporting achievements for the club, the result of consistent hard work and commitment. In addition to sporting results, the club's community role is important - every year one of Estonia's largest international wrestling competitions is organised, bringing young athletes from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to Valka.
It is not just athletes who grow up there, but young Valga people with character and responsibility.
Petrol Station Schoolboy Club
As a long-lasting and necessary tradition, the Tankla Student Holidays were acknowledged, which every summer offers young people in Valga County the opportunity to get their first work experience and develop work habits and a sense of responsibility.
During the two weeks, young people live in groups, work with different employers and take part in joint activities that develop independence and cooperation skills.
In 2025, 30 young people worked for Valga Municipality, contributing to cleaning and landscaping. In addition, 20 young people contributed to non-profit organisations and welfare institutions. In the ten years of its activity, the Guild has been an important platform for hundreds of young people.
Valga Central Library
At the heart of the celebration of the Year of the Estonian Book was the Valga Central Library, which carried the jubilee year in a meaningful and committed way.
During the year, 113 events and 47 exhibitions took place, attended by 3386 people. More than 70 events were organised for children and young people, 30 „Reading Shut Up“ themed lessons were held and 178 children took part in the Summer Reading programme.
The library has become a meeting place for communities to learn, discuss and create a shared cultural space.
Short film festival Valga Hot Shorts
Valga Municipality's Ring of the Year 2026 was awarded to the international short film festival Valga Hot Shorts.
The festival has brought films and guests from many countries to Valka, increasing the city's international visibility. It has attracted a large number of first-time visitors to the region and had a positive impact on the local economy.
In addition to its cultural value, the festival has a strong community dimension - involving volunteers, workshops and working with local partners. The festival has grown in both content and impact and has become an important part of Valga's vibrant cultural life.
Valga municipality thanks
Special thanks go to:
- Hille-Made Varul - a long-time teacher of mathematics and psychology who has shaped the thinking and values of generations of young people.
- Kaja Sisask - 20 years of enriching Valga's cultural life.
- Marcus-Evert Uhtjärv - a determined and talented young athlete who has brought Valga municipality fame in Estonia and internationally.
- Raimo Merekivi - Custodian and developer of the Laatre community.
- Janika Jurs - a dedicated and caring community member who has created a supportive learning environment in challenging circumstances.
Decorations of Valgamaa
The recipients of the Order of Valgamaa are:
- Major Meelis Kivi - guardian of military history and promoter of national defence;
- Hille-Made Varul - an outstanding teacher and shaper of educational life.
The festive reception of the 108th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia confirmed that Valga municipality is strong thanks to its people. Their work, dedication and heartfelt contribution is what keeps our community alive and gives us the confidence to look to the future with courage and pride.
Long live Estonia!
See pictures from the reception Valga municipality photo album