Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 20 October (BelTA) – The upcoming 45th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in Minsk will discuss a broad range of issues, Acting President of the European Olympic Committees Janez Kocijancic said on 20 October, BelTA has learned.

The headquarters of the Belarusian National Olympic Committee hosted a closed meeting of the EOC Executive Committee on 20 October. After the meeting, Janez Kocijancic thanked Belarus for the organization of the event and the upcoming 45th EOC General Assembly. “In the coming days, we will discuss a very broad range of issues related to modern sport. I would like to express gratitude to Belarusians, as it is already clear that the work of the Executive Committee and the General Assembly will be organized at a high level,” Janez Kocijancic emphasized.

He commented on Minsk’s chances of hosting the Second European Games. “The matter is actively discussed, and if Belarus places a bid, we will be glad to consider it. The Belarusian capital has a well-developed sport infrastructure. Several facilities are under renovation, and they will adorn the city,” Janez Kocijancic said.

The EOC Acting President stressed that doping in sport will not be the main topic at the 45th General Assembly. “The fight against the use of banned substances is a direct responsibility of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Olympic Committee. Doping will not be a priority topic at the General Assembly,” Janez Kocijancic noted.

Reporters were also interested in learning more about Patrick Hickey who is under house arrest in Brazil. “ Patrick Hickey has resigned from his position as EOC President. If there are no changes, I will be holding this post till the election in accordance with the EOC Constitution,” EOC Acting President Janez Kocijancic said.

The 45th EOC General Assembly will open in Minsk on 21 October. It will bring together representatives of all 50 European National Olympic Committees. The event will summarize the results of the EOC activity in 2016. It will also discuss the organization of the 2019 European Games, the 2017 and 2021 editions of the European Youth Olympic Festival.