Second European Games in Belarus

GOMEL, 10 August (BelTA) – The 2^nd European Games will bring Belarus more dividends than expenses, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said answering questions of Gomselmash employees during his working trip to Gomel Oblast, BelTA has learned.

According to the president, the preparations for and conduct of the 2^nd European Games will not be expensive for the country. Quite the opposite, it will bring more advantages and dividends. “It will pay its way immediately. Our facilities are ready for the competitions; we are building very little now. The rest – hotels, roads, accommodation and other things – had to be built anyway,” the president said.

Alexander Lukashenko emphasized that it is very important for the country’s image to host such a large-scale international sports event as the 2^nd European Games. “They have given us an incentive. We will create good sports infrastructure, accommodation, although we have enough hotels already. Taking into consideration that we introduced a 30-day visa-free regime, this will have a positive impact on the tourism industry,” the president said.

“Again, impressions of the country. Look how proud Russians are of the recent FIFA World Cup. This is an image of our state, this is a contribution to better health of our nation and professional sport,” Alexander Lukashenko added.

The head of state noted that the European Olympic movement is in its nascence. It is just the second time the European Games will be held. “This Olympiad has a great future ahead. I am sure,” he said.

The 2^nd European Games will take place in Minsk on 21-30 June 2019.