The Government will offer 10 National Awards of 100,000 lei each to performers in science, technology, culture, arts and sports to mark the 20th anniversary of Moldova's Independence, Info-Prim Neo reports. “The National Award aims to stimulate the citizens of Moldova to contribute more to the development of the areas of science, technology, culture and sports”, Deputy Prime Minister Mihai Moldovanu told reporters on Thursday. Gheorghe Duca, the president of the Moldovan Academy of Sciences, said the candidates for the ten awards will be nominated by the ministers, creation unions, universities, sports federations, by the Academy itself, and by holders of state distinctions. “Moldova has a lot of prominent persons in different fields and they deserve to be rewarded”, said Gheorghe Duca. Applications will be accepted until August 18. These should contain personal data of the candidate and a list of achievements. The winners will be announced on August 23 and the awards ceremony will be held on August 27, when Moldova will celebrate 20 years of Independence.