Press releases

BREST, 30 November (BelTA) – Belarus may host the European Youth Ice Stock Sport Championship in 2019, BelTA learnt from Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Icestocksport Federation Vladimir Chernov.

The idea was voiced by Karl Rosenberger, Vice President of the International Federation Icestocksport (IFI) in Brest after the European Cup. He suggested organizing the European competitions among athletes under 16, 18 and 23 in Belarus.

The representatives of the international federation praised the level of the tournament that was held in Brest on 21-29 November. The city has the necessary infrastructure to host athletes and also has the necessary experience to host large-scale sport and cultural events. The guests also paid attention to the cleanness of the oblast center and benevolence of Brest residents. Some delegations paid a visit to the Brest Fortress which history impressed them.

24 men’s teams completed for the trophy of the European cup at the Ice Palace of Brest on 28-29 November. Germany won the first two places, with bronze going to Austria. Belarusians finished 9^th and 13^th. The Brest Bison Cup, the consolation prize, went to Russia. Competing in the tournament were athletes from Austria, Germany, Russia, Italy, the Czech Republic, Poland, Switzerland, Lithuania and Belarus. Earlier, Austria celebrated the victory among the women’s teams.

According to Vladimir Chernov, ice stock sport has been gaining popularity in Brest and Belarus in general. “Ice stock is quite a gambling and affordable sport,” stressed Deputy Chairman of the Belarusian Ice Stock Sport Federation.

Ice stock sport (also known as Bavarian Curling) is a winter sport, somewhat similar to curling. Competitors slide ice stocks over an ice surface, aiming for a target, or to cover the longest distance. Ice stocks have a gliding surface, to which a stick (about 30 cm) is attached. Although the sport is traditionally played on an ice surface, events are also held on tarmacs in summer.