MINSK, 22 October (BelTA) - I have doubt that the Second European Games in Belarus in 2019 will be a success and will draw a big interest, although there is still two and a half years before their start, Acting President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Janez Kocijancic told media, summarizing the results of the 45th EOC General Assembly that took place in Minsk on 21-22 October.
According to Janez Kocijancic, the EOC delegates were unanimous that Belarus would be a good host of the 2019 European Games. “Minsk has played host to many high-level sports events, such as the 2013 UCI Track Cycling World Championships and the 2014 IIHF World Championship. The European Games may also take a special place in the sports history of your country. The city has excellent sports facilities. I have no doubt that the Second European Games in Belarus will be held at a high level,” Janez Kocijancic said.
The EOC head also noted that the summer edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival which was due to take place in Minsk in 2019 would be relocated to another city. “Several countries have already showed their interest in hosting the event and the EOC will announce the host country for the 2019 Summer EYOF in the near future,” noted Janez Kocijancic.
The 45th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees in Minsk became one of the most significant events of the year for the National Olympic Committee of Belarus which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2016. The EOC also marked the 25th anniversary of the European Youth Olympic Festival that was first held in 1991.