Second European Games in Belarus

UN Secretary-General addresses participants of 2nd European Games

MINSK, 22 June (BelTA) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has addressed the participants and fans of the 2nd European Games in a video message, BelTA has learned.

“My best wishes to over 4,000 athletes from 50 countries taking part in the European Games. Sport is a great way to build friendship, mutual respect and peace. I welcome the principles of inclusion and non-discrimination that underpin the philosophy of the Games. These values are the mainstay of the Sustainable Development Goals,” Antonio Guterres said.

He urged “to use sport to build a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future we all aspire to have”.

The video message was shown during the opening ceremony of the 2nd European Games in Minsk.

The opening ceremony is taking place in Belarus’ main sports venue – the Dinamo National Olympic Stadium.

The 2nd European Games are taking place in Minsk on 21-30 June. Over 4,000 athletes from 50 countries will compete in 200 medal events in 15 sports. The official motto of the 2nd European Games symbols is Bright Year, Bright You. The logo is a fern flower that has a symbolic meaning in Slavic culture. Lesik the Fox is the official mascot.

Minsk was granted the right to host the 2nd European Games at the 45th meeting of the General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees in October 2016.

The 1st European Games took place in Azerbaijan’s capital city Baku in June 2015. Belarus was represented by 151 athletes in 24 sports. They won 43 medals.

print version

make home page

add to bookmarks