Second European Games in Belarus

MINSK, 12 May (BelTA) - The Coordination Commission of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) for the second edition of the European Games is ready to share its European Games organization practices with Belarus, Chairman of the EOC Coordination Commission Spyros Capralos said at a meeting in the National Olympic Committee of Belarus on 12 May, BelTA has learned.

“The European Olympic Committees welcomed the news that Minsk will be hosting the Second European Games in 2019. It is a new page in the history of the Belarusian sport. You have strong traditions. It is great that government bodies, the National Olympic Committee and the President of Belarus are taking an active part in the organization of such a large-scale sport event. There is confidence that the Second European Games will be held at a high level. To organize and host the European Games is a difficult task. The EOC Coordination Commission is ready to share its experience in organizing the European Games in Baku, and we will be working hard together to make this big sports forum a success in 2019,” said Spyros Capralos.

NOC First Vice President Andrei Astashevich told the members of the commission that a national organizing committee and a special fund had been set up to coordinate the preparations for the European Games. “A plan has also been worked out to develop infrastructure and sports areas. The reconstruction of Dinamo Stadium is gradually nearing completion. Today we are expected to get familiar with a number of facilities and discuss accommodation of the European Games participants. Belarus has got a number of proposals which can be discussed as well,” Andrei Astashevich said.

Belarus’ Sports and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko expressed confidence that the visit of the commission would accelerate the signing of the the European Games hosting contract. “The document, taking into account the earlier reached agreements, will be signed in the near future, which will allow us launching full-fledged preparations for the forthcoming competitions in 2019,” he stressed.

On 12 May the EOC Coordination Commission is expected to visit sports facilities that will be hosting the European Games. These are Minsk Arena, the students’ village in Chyurlenis Street, a rowing canal (Zaslavl water reservoir), Uruchye Sports Center, the sport and shooting complexes, Olympiisky Stadium, Dinamo Stadium, the Palace of Sports, Palova Arena, Football Arena, and Chizhovka Arena.

Belarus was chosen to host the Second European Games in 2019 after a vote at the 45th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees in Minsk in October 2016. The First European Games were held in Baku, Azerbaijan on 12-28 June 2015. Belarus placed 7th with a total of 43 (ten gold, 11 silver and 22 bronze) medals.