News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 12 July (BelTA) - The Olympics is no longer about personal sporting achievements only. It is big politics and also a great honor for the country, Belarus President, Head of the National Olympic Committee Alexander Lukashenko said at the see-off ceremony for Team Belarus to the 31st Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, BelTA has learned.

“Please remember, your achievements forge the positive image of Belarus and are an indicator of the country’s successful development,” the head of state said.

“For Belarusian athletes, the Games will be the most important test of the last four years. Our state has done everything necessary for you to have an opportunity to train smoothly and make a decent showing in these competitions,” the Belarusian leader noted.

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the price of an Olympic medal has always been high, and today it is even more so. “You see how the competition has toughened. Unsportsmanlike methods of pressure are often used with regard to individual athletes and entire countries. Scandals, headline-grabbing cases, review of the results of the past tournaments do not longer surprise anyone. You see all this yourselves, and I'm sure that you are worried about this. Rio will be tough but I am sure you will handle this tremendous stress and show good results”.

The head of state noted that not only relatives, but also the whole country will be rooting for athletes. “You, like no one else, feel how important your victories are for all Belarusians,” he said.

This time the country has not set any medal targets. However, Belarus can expect from each of you full concentration and performance at the limit of human abilities, the President noted. “We are all waiting for your victories. Our team is a natural blend of youth and experience. For some, this is the first Olympics. But many have competed in major tournaments in the last four years,” the Belarusian leader said.

The head of state expressed special gratitude to the Belarusian basketball women’s team thanks to whom Belarus will be again represented in the game team sports at the Olympics 2016. “I think that our men should look up to our girls,” Alexander Lukashenko said.

“We will be looking forward to the victories of Belarusian athletes. You will enjoy the sea of love and attention from our grateful fans. It is equally important that every success will be appreciated by the state. I will be very happy if the upcoming Olympic Games give us a new reason to gather together and savor our successes and honor everyone who will make contribution to the Olympic glory of the country,” the Belarusian leader said.