Opinions & Interviews
Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry explains peculiarities of 2nd CIS Games
MINSK, 26 July (BelTA) – About 20 countries have already confirmed their intention to participate in the 2nd CIS Games, BelTA learned from Mikhail Prokopenko, Head of the National Teams Office of the Belarusian Sports and Tourism Ministry.
Mikhail Prokopenko said: “The fact that these are open games is probably one of the brightest distinguishing traits of the 2nd CIS Games. In addition to countries representing the Commonwealth of Independent States we will welcome a sufficient number of foreign states, which have expressed their desire to participate in this multisport event. I don’t want to specify any countries. You will see all of them. And you will be able to see the medal tally on the official website when we summarize the games. About 20 countries have already confirmed their participation. And we expect that this figure can only grow larger.”
In his words, the number of participants could have been larger but individual countries are having problems with logistics. “Because most of them started taking steps too late. Although they demonstrated interest about three months ago, they entered the active phase sufficiently late. As you can understand, the accreditation system has already stopped working and we’ve concluded the deadline. Well, if we get such applications, we consider them as an extra effort. And certainly we would not want to offend all of those, who want to participate in our games,” the official noted.
“As for the athletes, who are accredited with the system, their number has already exceeded 2,000. The figures are changing little by little because some countries want to add someone as per the procedure. I think by the end of the week we will sum up results and will see the final figures, which will allow us to make all the conclusions. Although everything is ready on our side, including volunteers, accommodation, and meals,” Mikhail Prokopenko added.
The 2nd CIS Games are scheduled to take place in 11 Belarusian cities on 4-14 August in 20 sports. Solemn opening and closing ceremonies are scheduled for 5 August and 13 August.
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