Second European Games in Belarus

MINSK, 29 November (BelTA) – Belarus is exploring the possibility of launching a visa-free entry for the duration of the 2019 European Games, Belarusian Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov noted as he met with President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Janez Kocijancic on 29 November, BelTA has learned.

The meeting was dedicated to preparations for the 2019 European Games, the first multi-sports event to be hosted at such a level by the Belarusian capital and the country in general.

Andrei Kobyakov said Belarus is currently exploring the possibility of introducing visa-free travel to and temporary stay in the country for the duration of the Games for athletes and foreign tourists. The prime minister also stated that the work is underway to create an information and technological platform for the games, provide catering services, prepare the athletes’ village, finish the construction of the last hostel in it, arrange the opening and closing ceremonies, build the stadium to host the Games, and enable TV broadcasting.

The EOC president, in turn, commended the status of preparations for the competitions and the organizers’ careful attitude to the upcoming event.

The sides touched upon separate aspects that should be taken into account and discussed the interaction of the National Organizing Committee for the 2019 European Games with the EOC.

“Andrei Kobyakov underlined that the matters related to preparations for the Games should be solved in close cooperation with all the parties concerned. He also noted that the experience as well as the expert support and consultations of the EOC are of great importance for Belarus,” the press service pointed out.

Belarus was chosen to host the Second European Games in 2019 at the 45th session of the EOC General Assembly in Minsk in October 2016. The Second European Games in Minsk will be taking place on 21-30 June 2019. The Games will feature 15 sports: badminton, 3x3 basketball, boxing, wrestling(freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, women’s wrestling), cycling (track cycling and road bicycle racing), gymnastics (artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, acrobatics, aerobics, and trampoline), rowing (kayak and canoe competitions), judo, karate, track and field athletics, sambo, archery, shooting (including clay target shooting), table tennis, and beach football. 189 medals events will be held in 23 sport disciplines.