Second European Games in Belarus

Minsk European Games presented at Olympic Picnic in Warsaw

Photo by minsk2019.by

MINSK, 27 May (BelTA) – The presentation of the 2nd European Games which are due in Minsk on 21-30 June took place at the 21st edition of Olympic Picnic in Warsaw, BelTA learned from the Minsk European Games Organizing Committee (MEGOC).

One of the major themed sections of the event highlighted the forthcoming large-scale sports forum. Lesik the Fox, the 2nd European Games mascot, attracted a lot of visitors’ attention.

During the opening ceremony President of the National Olympic Committee of Poland Andrzej Krasnicki said that 2019 is a special year for both Poland and Belarus. “This summer Minsk will become the main sports arena of Europe. In autumn the Polish National Olympic Committee will mark its 100th anniversary,” he stressed.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Belarus to Poland Vladimir Chushev expressed confidence that the European Games would become a milestone event for the whole continent. “During Olympic Picnic, a family festival of sports and a healthy lifestyle, allocated the key role to the stand of Minsk and the 2nd European Games. In June, Poland will field some 180 athletes to the Belarusian capital. This is a big delegation. We hope that thanks to the visa-free rules which will come into force on 10 June, Polish athletes will be supported by numerous fans,” Vladimir Chushev said.

The picnic participants learned facts about Belarus, the country’s tourist potential and Minsk landmarks, and also details about the preparations for the large-scale sports event.

“Olympic Picnic is a unique sporting event in Warsaw for parents and children. A similar event for outdoor enthusiasts is annually held in Minsk. The Polish TV sport channel Polsat Sport made a report about the Belarusian stand and plans to air the 2nd European Games in full volume. Those who want to get unforgettable emotions and witness the bright victories are welcome to Belarus,” said Aleksei Bogdanovich, Manager for Communication, PR and Mass Media of the Minsk European Games Organizing Committee (MEGOC).

As expected, one of the highlights of Olympic Picnic was the Flame of Peace torch relay. It traveled from the National Olympic Center to the site of the picnic. The torch has been in Poland since 11 May when it visited Warsaw en route from Italy to Belarus. To the applause of the audience the torch was brought to the stage by two-time Olympic hammer throw champion Anita Wlodarczyk. 

Olympic Picnic is organized annually in a park near the Olympic Center in Warsaw. This year it took place for the  21st time. It features presentations of different sports, athletes celebrations, prize and memorabilia drawings and hosts major sporting events of the year. This year the event was attended by several hundred athletes and representatives of sports organizations and drew about 25,000 visitors.

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