Opinions & Interviews

BREST, 22 July (BelTA) – Belarus may host men’s European Junior Water Polo Championships in 2018, First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus Maxim Ryzhenkov told reporters in Brest on 22 July, BelTA has learned.

The Belarusian city of Brest hosted the Water Polo Federation Cup held under the aegis of the European Swimming League (LEN) from 22 to 24 July. Belarus played host to such a large-scale water polo competition for the first time. “This is our first try. Today it is important for us to demonstrate our team and infrastructure to the international federation. We can host such events. We have the necessary specialists, organizational and financial resources,” Maxim Ryzhenkov emphasized.

The official told reporters about his recent talk with the LEN technical delegate who had come to monitor the compliance with standards. “He said that everything is organized wonderfully and promised that if everything is fine, they will help us host, for example, men’s European Junior Water Polo Championships in 2018. We can hold this tournament in Brest or in several cities,” Maxim Ryzhenkov said.

He believes that this will be a great opportunity for the Belarusian youth to get valuable experience. “It is time for us to work harder to promote this sport. In Belarus there are many children engaged in swimming, and there are enough swimming pools. Not all the kids want to just swim. Many are interested in team games,” Maxim Ryzhenkov noted.

Competing for the main prize of the Water Polo Federation Cup were men’s teams from Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan and the Czech Republic.