Press releases

MINSK, 19 December (BelTA) - The National Olympic Committee played host to a ceremony on 19 December to award scholarship certificates to 253 promising athletes and coaches who have been determined by the central council of the President's Sport Club for scholarships in 2019, BelTA has learned.

According to the club, 161 out of 209 athletes from the list claimed the champion title or won medals at the world and European championships, World and European Cups in 2018. Sixth-seven of them got the scholarship for the second year in a row.

Weightlifter Eduard Zezyulin clinched the European junior champion title. Judoka Artyom Kolosov won two gold medals at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires. Eight-year-old world and European champion in chess Yekaterina Zubkovskaya became the youngest scholarship recipient.

Among the scholarship recipients are representatives of 35 sports.

Addressing the athletes, President of the Central Council of the Belarus President’s Sport Club Dmitry Lukashenko welcomed the high results of Belarusian athletes in international competitions and urged them not to rest on laurels. “Our country is rich in talent. Our athletes regularly win medals at international competitions. May your future achievements be the result of your work and also our joint efforts. The main thing is that the current successes become the starting point of your careers rather than the pinnacle,” he said.

The ceremony was attended by NOC First Vice President Andrei Astashevich, Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk, Olympic champion in rhythmic gymnastics Marina Lobach.

The scholarship to an athlete will average Br7,487 per year, to a coach Br8,000 per year.

The President’s Sports Club will pay scholarships to the athletes and coaches throughout 2019, which will help them prepare for major competitions.