Second European Games in Belarus
Books about 2nd European Games on show at Minsk Book Fair
MINSK, 7 February (BelTA) – A number of publications dedicated to the 2nd European Games were presented at the 26th Minsk International Book Fair on 7 February, BelTA has learned.
Visitors got an opportunity to see the book “Top-Class Sport. European and Olympic Games”, the Minsk guidebook, and get a present from the Minsk European Games mascot Lesik the Fox (themed calendars and maps of the Belarusian capital).
Deputy Information Minister Igor Buzovsky pointed out three major themes of the national exposition at the book fair. These are the Year of Native Land, the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazis and the 2nd European Games. "For the book publishing industry the forthcoming European Games are also an important event as it contributes to the country's positive image. The primary goal of any economic project or projects in other areas is to popularize the country abroad. This exhibition, lays a big role in attracting public attention to the upcoming future sport forum,among other things,” he said.
“For all Belarusians, the 2nd European Games is an important event that will provide an opportunity to feel the spirit of the time, the spirit of the nation, see outstanding athletes, feel the pride for the country and show it in all its glory. Our printed materials pursue the same goal,” said Vladimir Andrievich, director of the publishing house Belarusian Encyclopedia named after Petrus Brovka.
According to him, the book and the guidebook feature the sports facilities and major sights of Minsk and Belarus in general, and also the information on theaters, museums, cafes, hotels, useful tips for visitors. Every venue has a link with a QR code that leads to the corresponding website for more information about the facility. “At the initiative of the Information Ministry and with the assistance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we distributed the first batch of more than 11,000 copies among the embassies of 50 European countries. We already see some results. Representatives of the embassies began visiting the websites of such Belarusian establishments as the National Art Museum, the National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater, the Minsk European Games Organizing Committee and others,” Vladimir Andrievich said.
In his words, the second batch of the book and the guidebook will be published in March. An additional material will be published following the competitions to be later distributed among the participating countries.
The Belarusian athletes, the pride and glory of the country, attended the event in the capacity of the guests of honor. Belarusian gymnast, world and European medalist Melitina Staniouta noted that she did not anticipate that the success of the Belarusian team at the the 1st European Games will help bring this landmark sporting event to Belarus. This is another incentive to win, not only for yourself but for the whole nation, she added.
Olympic champion, champion of the 1st European Games in Baku Andrei Bahdanovich, despite his busy training schedule, attended the event to share his memories of the first games. He said that he and his teammate, the bronze medalist of the 2015 AIBA World Boxing Championships, silver medalist of the 1st European Games Dmitry Asanov will do their best to show the best results on home soil and enter their names into history.
European Games champion, many-time world and European medalist in wrestling Vasilisa Marzaliuk is also set to perform to the best of her abilities. “Baku set the bar high in terms of organization. But I am sure that Belarus will be up to par while athletes will show that we are strong and represent the country in the best possible light,” she said.
The presentation was followed by an autograph session.
The 26th Minsk International Book Fair is underway under the slogan "More Than Books" from 6 to 10 February. The expo is about 3,000 square meters big and features more than 400 exhibitors from 35 countries.
The organizers of the Minsk International Book Fair are the Information Ministry, the Minsk City Hall and the Belarusian Union of Writers. Co-organizers are the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Education Ministry, the Culture Ministry, Belkniga and Makbel book selling companies.
print version
make home page
add to bookmarks
