MINSK, 22 September (BelTA) – Belarusian sport has a high authority in the global Olympic movement, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he visited the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus on 22 September, BelTA has learned.
Addressing athletes, Alexander Lukashenko stressed that their victories are the pride of the Belarusian people. “They say that Belarus is a young, athletic and vigorously developing nation. This pertains to not only the image of the state, but also to its future,” the President said.
According to the head of state, this is why a decision was made that the Belarusian National Olympic Committee should have headquarters in accordance with its status. Alexander Lukashenko noted that the building is fitted with cutting-edge equipment and can host top-level events.
“But we have built the NOC headquarters not only for guests. This is your home, and its doors should be always open for all athletes and not only athletes,” the head of state stressed. In his opinion, the complex can also host events for children. In these cases, they will come there for free. “As for federations, they should not pay a lot to fund a place for their events anywhere in the city. These events can be held here for a symbolic price,” the Belarusian leader added.
The head of state noted with satisfaction that a healthy lifestyle and regular sports activities attract more and more people today. In his words, the Belarusian sport makes a big contribution to the promotion of national interests in the foreign politics. “Sports achievements make Belarus famous and help expand international cooperation,” the President remarked.