Boxing champion at the DP rally: I came back to honor the flag, the government gave me empty promises

Muay Thai athlete and international boxing champion Ermira Rexhmati was today part of the Democratic Party's closing electoral meeting in Durrës. 

During her speech, she said that even though she is the winner of several world championships, she decided to return to Albania, but indicated that she was disappointed by the government's empty promises.

Full speech: 

Good evening, brothers and sisters. Good evening, my Albanians. Good evening, ancient Durrës.
Honorable Dr. Berisha, and all of you who carry Albanian blood, gratitude that God has united us on this great night.

I am Ermira Rexhmati, originally from the mountains of Gjallica, Kukës. I am a Muay Thai athlete, the strictest discipline on this planet. But tonight, in front of the ancient Durrës of Teuta, my emotions tremble more than in the ring.

For six years I have been dedicated to combat sports such as Muay Thai, kickboxing and most recently boxing. During my career I have fought almost all over Europe, such as in Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland and Prague, representing Albania with pride.
In this journey I have achieved important results, being declared:

• Italian Champion
• International Champion
• ETF World Title Champion
And most recently
• National Champion in boxing as well.

I decided to return to Albania to continue to represent my country with dignity. I received promises, but they remained just empty words.

It is true that I have not dealt with politics. It is true that I have never fought for medals or titles; but it is true that I have always fought for the flag of Skanderbeg, and for that flag I will fight as long as I live.

Doctor, I know that there are many athletes who today do not have the courage to speak out. There are many boys and girls who are abandoning sports because they are desperate, disappointed, forgotten. I know, I know because I know them. I see them suffering, how they leave their dreams half-hearted, how they flee abroad because they have no support here. But I do not want to give up. I do not want to leave. I want to stay and honor this flag. Even though I often did not have even the most minimal opportunities, I stayed. I sacrificed. There were nights that I did not sleep, sewing and embroidering, just to cover the costs of training and travel. My family has helped me, as have my coaches, but I know that it is not enough. And I love this sport with all my heart, and for this sport I ask only one thing: support. A hand that will lift us up, not cut our dream in half.

Doctor, by God, help the athletes!
This land has brave men, sons and daughters who honor the flag of Gjergj Kastrioti. We ask for nothing more than opportunity, support and a strong hand that appreciates our sweat and sacrifice. Because when our flag rises to the sky, it rises with our hearts.

Albania has heroes in the ring, there are fighters who make the world talk about it. We just have to see them, believe in them and support them.

And one last thing I want to say to you, on this holy night for all Albanians — on the birthday of our national hero, Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg:
I will close with his legendary saying:

"United we are more invincible!"

Long live Albania, long live freedom!
Thank you.