Press releases

MINSK, 26 August (BelTA) - The flag bearer of Team Belarus at the Paralympic Games in Rio will be honored master of sports Alexander Triput. This was announced during an official send-off ceremony of the Belarusian sport delegation to the 15th Summer Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, BelTA has learned.

Master of sports of international class Anna Konyuk has been named captain of Team Belarus. “Paralympic athletes should know that the entire Belarus will be rooting for them. Leading an active lifestyle, being part of the main tournament of the four-year cycle you are already winners and an example for others,” Vice Premier Natalia Kochanova said. She also wished Team Belarus successful performance and bright victories in Rio.

“In Belarus there are 29,000 children with disabilities. For them you are an example of steadfastness, commitment to achieving the highest goals. Many Paralympians are idols for children with disabilities,” Belarus’ Labor and Social Security minister Marianna Shchetkina said when addressing the athletes.

First Vice President of Belarus’ National Olympic Committee Maksim Ryzhenkov stressed that the NOC does not differentiate between Olympic and Paralympic teams. “You are one team for us. Your slogan ‘Yes, I can!’ reflects your lifestyle. In Rio you will show once again that you can and that you are the best in your respective sports,” said Maksim Ryzhenkov.

Sport and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko stressed the importance of establishing the National Center for Paralympic training. “The center which was launched this year will help to better prepare for the most important international tournaments. At Paralympics the Belarusian sportsmen must show their best. Many of you are well-prepared to win a medal,” Alexander Shamko said.

Twenty-one Belarusian athletes will compete in five sports at the 15th Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro on 7-18 September. Among the most renowned on Team Belarus are Igor Boki (swimming) and Lyudmila Volchek (rowing).

Belarus first participated in the Paralympic Games in Seoul in 1988. Since then Belarus have won 124 Paralympic medals, 39 of them are gold.