Yekaterina Ivanchikova hands the torch over to artist Viktor Olshevsky

Soloist of IOWA band Yekaterina Ivanchikova carried the main symbol of the European Games to the Konstantin Simonov memorial stone. When handing the torch over to well-known Belarusian artist Viktor Olshevsky, she said that it was a great honor for her to start the relay in Mogilev and to be part of this ceremony. In her view, the forthcoming large-scale sports forum and the events preceding it bring people together and help build up new contacts, strengthen friendship and open Belarus up for the world. “We all are becoming part of the great history. I am overwhelmed with pride for my homeland. No matter where I go, I always say that I was born on this land. It is here where I made my first steps as an artist. As to the European Games, I do not know yet who I will support, but I will closely follow the games, because this is a big event for the country that promises to be exciting and unforgettable,” Yekaterina Ivanchikova said.