MINSK, 25 June (BelTA) – The 2nd European Games in Minsk will increase the interest in mass sport in the country, President of the European Sambo Federation and All-Russian Sambo Federation Sergei Eliseev told BelTA.
“I believe this will enable Belarus to make great headway in the development of sport. The games will encourage many children to join different sport clubs. Any multi-sport event serves as a catalyst for further development of sport in the country,” Sergei Eliseeev said.
The president of the European and All-Russian sambo federations is confident that injections in the organization of the games will be a long-term investment in a healthy generation. A person who takes up sports is well-disciplined and law-abiding. “Sport is a national task. We can see that this is the way it is done in the country. It is great to see this understanding at all the levels,” Sergei Eliseev said.
As for sambo, this sport is treated well in Belarus, the president of the federations believes. The country has its traditions and champions, hosts numerous events, including the International A-Category Tournament - the Open Championship for the Prizes of the President of Republic of Belarus.
Sambo competitions of the 2nd European Games are underway in Sports Palace. “We have held many competitions here before. Today I saw an absolutely new place. Belarus did a lot to approach the games well-prepared,” Serger Eliseev said.
Minsk is hosting the 2nd European Games on 21-30 June. Over 4,000 athletes from 50 states are competing in 15 sports.