Second European Games in Belarus

2nd European Games Torch Relay to travel across torchbearers’ birthplaces

GOMEL, 21 January (BelTA) – Famous torchbearers of the 2nd European Games will take the Flame of Peace to their native land, Sergei Khomich, Head of Cultural Programme and Official Ceremonies of the Directorate of the 2nd European Games 2019, said at a session of the working group in charge of the preparations and conduct of the Torch Relay marathon in Gomel Oblast, BelTA has learned.   

There will be 450 torchbearers. These will be athletes, people of culture and art, scholars, public figures, etc. “We tried to incorporate the native land of the famous torchbearers into the Torch Relay itinerary, so that they will have an opportunity to visit the places where they were born and meet with their compatriots,” Sergei Khomich said.

A hundred days is left till the start of the Torch Relay dubbed the Flame of Peace. European Games, a multi-sports event, will be a unique experience for Belarus. The preceding Torch Relay will become a kind of journey across places of interest and tourist attractions of each region,” Sergei Khomich underlined.

The route of the journey is currently under discussion. It will feature populated areas, enterprises and places of interest of all the regions. As far as Gomel Oblast is concerned, the torch will travel across the landmarks of Gomel, Mozyr District, Zhlobin District and Zhitkovichi District. Torchbearers will tour the regional industry giant Gomselmash, one of the country’s biggest confectionery makers Spartak, and the architectural gem of the region Gomel Palace and Park Ensemble. The six-day marathon across the southeastern region of Belarus promises to be packed with events.

Gomel Oblast Deputy Governor Vladimir Privalov noted that the 2nd European Games will be a key event for the entire country. “This is prestigious. Apart from that, the event will offer a great opportunity to showcase the country’s biggest achievements not only in sports, but also in promoting a healthy lifestyle,” he emphasized.

The Torch Relay will kick off at Rome's ancient Temple of Peace where the torch lighting ceremony will take place on 3 May. It will arrive in Brest on 12 May and will then travel across 60 localities of the country. The torch will spend six days in each region of Belarus. After the 50-day journey across the country, the flame will finish its journey at the Opening Ceremony of the 2nd European Games at the Dinamo Stadium in Minsk on 21 June.

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