Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 April (BelTA) – The priority should be given to coaches and athletes when it comes to the distribution of salaries in sports organizations, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said at a session held on 13 April to discuss the development of winter sports, BelTA has learned.

“Everything should be regulated. A coach and an athlete are a priority. No frills. Then, we will be able to come to an agreement,” said the head of state.

Alexander Lukashenko warned that there would be no easy money in sport and results would be paid well.

The president also emphasized the need to pay for achievements in the children’s sports. He cited the Snowy Sniper biathlon competitions as an example. “When I handed out those cheques I could see a sincere joy in the eyes of the children. That was the first money they earned,” the head of state said.

“We do not want to understand these children. Meanwhile, we pay a huge sum to a director of a sports club,” the Belarusian leader said.

“We are not that rich to throw money away. We will pay money only if there are the results. Remember this: no result, no money,” Alexander Lukashenko stressed.

The president warned: “If things go worse starting from this moment (today’s meeting), coaches will be replaced. This is my instruction for the sport federations and the sports ministry.”