Second European Games in Belarus

MINSK, 4 September (BelTA) - Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko met with President of the European Olympic Committees Janez Kocijancic in Minsk on 4 September, BelTA has learned.

“Mr Kocijancic, I am pleased to see you again to compare notes on the main areas of action. The main thing, of course, is the European Olympic Games. We have done a lot but still there are some shortcomings, loose ends. I would like to hear firsthand what we must still do ahead of the 2nd European Games,” the head of state noted.

For his part, Janez Kocijancic thanked for the warm reception. “In my opinion, the preparations for the European Games are going very well. You have excellent human resources. People have been working very hard, and we provide them with maximum support. I am confident that we will organize excellent European Games,” the EOC president noted.

Talking to journalists Janez Kocijancic noted that the Belarusian president, who also heads the National Olympic Committee, is well familiar with sport issues. “In my opinion, the organization is at a high level. The overall situation is good. We believe that Belarus will host wonderful games. Within the next ten months our organizing committee will be busy with addressing minor technical issues. All other matters have already been settled,” he said.

Janez Kocijancic also thanked the Belarusian authorities for the launch of visa-free travel that will benefit both the participants and numerous guests of the 2nd European Games. “I hope you will make the best use of this opportunity to show the world a modern flourishing Belarus,” the EOC president added.

The 2nd European Games will take place in Minsk on 21-30 June 2019. These are international sport competitions held once in four years under the auspices of the European Olympic Committees. Over 4,000 athletes from 50 countries will compete in about 200 medal events in 15 sports. Competitions in 10 sports will be qualifiers for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan.