A Memorial Plaque for the Legendary Ulyana Semyonova Unveiled in Her Homeland

At the end of October, the memory of the athlete was honored with the unveiling of a memorial plaque and a screening of the feature film "Ulya." The event was attended by representatives of the local government, the Latvian Basketball Union, the film's director Viesturs Kairišs, members of the film crew, and other guests. "Ulya is known in the history of world and Latvian sports for her outstanding skill, perseverance, and achievements that have survived generations. She is from our region. Great achievements are not always associated with big cities," noted Vitalijs Aizbalts, the chairman of the Augšdaugava County Council. He emphasized that it is the duty of the local government to cherish the memory of Semyonova. The author of the memorial plaque is the artist Romualds Gibovskis. The local government reminds that Ulyana Semyonova was not only a legend of world basketball and a decorated athlete but also a person with an extraordinarily large, generous heart and warmth of soul. "The name of Semyonova is inscribed in golden letters in the Hall of Fame of World Basketball. However, her brilliant achievements did not change her warmth of soul. Until the end of her life, Ulya maintained an amazing simplicity, modesty, and deep respect for her homeland," the local government notes. Beyond the basketball court, Semyonova had a passionate love for music and collected vinyl records. She was particularly moved by Latgalian songs, which sometimes brought her to tears. She appreciated their melodiousness and the stories about the life and nature of her homeland. The unveiling of the memorial plaque was a tribute to the outstanding athlete whose name has forever entered the history of world basketball, and her connection to her native Latgale remained an important part of her life.