Second European Games in Belarus

Excellent organization of 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 praised

MINSK, 16 July (BelTA) – The organization of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 was excellent. Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus Igor Petrishenko made the relevant statement at the session of the 2nd European Games organizing committee held to sum up results of the games, BelTA has learned.

Igor Petrishenko noted: “It was the first time our country had hosted such large-scale multisport competitions. The organization of the games was excellent. We confidently demonstrated we are capable of organizing and hosting any international event. I believe we’ve raised high the bar of the European Games up to the level of the Olympics.”

The deputy prime minister pointed out that many things were taken care of in the run-up to the games such as visa-free entry, priority corridors across the Belarusian border for participants of the games and tourists, the readiness of sport facilities, medical care, security measures, transportation, and other things. “The excellent organization of the games has been noted upon by representatives of the European Olympic Committees, heads and representatives of national Olympic committees of European countries, by athletes and coaches,” Igor Petrishenko said. “Volunteers of the games did an excellent job. Most of them are students of Belarusian universities.”

The 2nd European Games Minsk 2019 featured competitions in 15 sports and gathered 3,604 athletes from 50 countries. Participants of the games stayed in nine halls of residence in the Student Village. The complex welcomed 5,515 people.

According to Igor Petrishenko, Belarusian athletes justified expectations of the fans during the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019. They won 69 medals, including 24 gold ones, placing Belarus second on the medal tally chart. The Belarusian delegation brought 43 medals, including ten gold ones, from the 1st European Games in Baku.

The official ticketing company sold over 212,000 tickets. “Television broadcasts in 196 countries with the total volume of live broadcasts at 521 hours indicate the strong interest in the games and not only in European countries,” Igor Petrishenko. The competitions were covered by over 1,200 accredited representatives of mass media, including Europe’s top mass media.

“One can mention a lot of positive things relating to the organization of the games. But enhancing the image of our country, the invaluable experience, and investments in the infrastructure are the most important ones,” Igor Petrishenko concluded.

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