Second European Games in Belarus

EOC president satisfied with Belarus’ preparations for 2019 European Games

MINSK, 3 March (BelTA) – President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Janez Kocijancic is satisfied with the quality and speed of preparations for the 2019 European Games in Belarus. The EOC president made the relevant statement as he met with Prime Minister of Belarus Andrei Kobyakov on 3 March, BelTA has learned.

Andrei Kobyakov remarked that meetings with the EOC president had become a regular occasion in anticipation of the 2019 European Games. As the competitions draw near, such meetings can become even more frequent. It is less than 500 days to go before the 2019 European Games begin. “We still have time. But those, who understand what large-scale tasks we are facing, say that we don’t have that much time,” said the prime minister.

Preparations for the competitions are proceeding in line with the agreements and the schedules Belarus and the EOC have agreed. “Nevertheless, there is a number of questions we should discuss and we are ready to do it. I think we will find a solution to the problems that emerge,” added Andrei Kobyakov.

During the current visit to Minsk Janez Kocijancic has already held a number of meetings to review Belarus’ preparations for the 2019 European Games. EOC representatives presented their proposals concerning the organization of the games. “We are satisfied with what we’ve seen,” noted the EOC president. “The atmosphere here is very friendly. One can say it is atmosphere of cooperation.” In his opinion, the fact that Belarus has already hosted major competitions, including an ice hockey world championship in 2014, will contribute to the success of the 2019 European Games.

“I am very pleased that there are no delays with getting the infrastructure ready. Preparations are going on very well and in a timely manner,” concluded Janez Kocijancic.

Minsk will host the Second European Games 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 and road), 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. As many as 206 medal events will be held in 23 sport disciplines. The competitions will take place at 12 sport venues.

The European Games are expected to attract about 4,000 athletes, 2,000 coaches and other representatives of official delegations from 50 European national Olympic committees. Besides, Belarus will welcome about 650 international and 410 national sport judges, about 1,000 representatives of foreign mass media, heads of European sport federations and agencies, workers of the EOC headquarters, heads of European NOCs, and high-rankling officials from a number of countries.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks