Opinions & Interviews

Belarus ready to consider hosting any IOC events

Photo courtesy of Belarus' NOC

MINSK, 22 January (BelTA) – First Vice President of the Belarusian National Olympic Committee (NOC) Viktor Lukashenko has met with President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach, BelTA learned from the press service of the NOC.

During the talks Viktor Lukashenko welcomed the role of the International Olympic Committee in supporting the world’s sport. Viktor Lukashenko and Thomas Bach had already met before - during the 2nd European Games in Minsk and on the sidelines of the 48th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees in Poland. Back then they expressed their readiness to scale up cooperation.

“At the meeting in Warsaw we discussed a possibility to expand cooperation in professional sport. After consultations with the Belarusian sports community we made up our mind to consider hosting any events under the aegis of the IOC,” Viktor Lukashenko said.

Thomas Bach noted that he was happy to see the Belarusian delegation again. He pointed out that the meeting was taking place in a symbolic venue. The office in the IOC building where the meeting was held was named after Juan Antonio Samaranch, one of the most outstanding IOC presidents; he was in charge of the organization from 1980 to 2001.

“Belarus pays much attention to sport. You held a major sports event last year – the 2nd European Games. I attended some of the competitions and the closing ceremony of the games. The Belarusian side proved to be a great host. I am convinced that the third edition of the Winter Youth Olympic Games will bring many positive emotions to young Belarusians,” Thomas Bach said. 

The Belarusian delegation also met with heads of the IOC departments and other structural divisions. At the conclusion of the official visit to the IOC, the Belarusian delegation toured the Olympic Museum that holds over 10,000 exhibits from all over the world.

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