Opinions & Interviews
Sport minister on applications to 2nd CIS Games, legacy for Belarusian regions
GOMEL, 13 June (BelTA) – Belarusian Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk inspected sports facilities in Gomel and Zhlobin to assess their readiness to host the 2nd CIS Games on 12 June, BelTA has learned.
According to the minister, the level of readiness of sports facilities in Gomel and Zhlobin for the 2nd CIS Games is very high. Sergei Kovalchuk stressed that no more sports competitions of this level were planned in the country this year. He also recalled that in 2019 Belarus hosted the 2nd European Games. “Then we were honored to organize the competitions of such a level together with 50 countries. Today we also represent not the industry, not the regions, but the whole country, because representatives of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Russia and other states are expected to take part in the event. Applications are still coming in. At a meeting last week the Vietnamese ambassador voiced Vietnam’s intention to send its team to the games. There is interest from Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman, Iran, Mongolia, Bahrain and others. We determine teams by sports and consider a reasonable and competent combination according to the regulations. Today we have a responsible task, which is to organize and hold competitions at the best possible level,” the Belarusian sport and tourism minister explained.
Together with the preparation for the games, the regions are enriching and strengthening their sports infrastructure. For example, the Ice Palace in Gomel is receiving some renovations in its facade, changing rooms, and other structural elements “The Games test events have shown what needs to be corrected. We still have enough time, and our facilities are in excellent condition. Additionally, we are purchasing more advanced electronic scoreboards and other technical means that will remain at the disposal of the regions in the future. These are for example led panels that can be transformed and used at other events, not only sports, but also in culture and education. All this will remain as a legacy for the regions, for the benefit of the people. It was a very good decision to involve the regions in hosting the games,” Sergei Kovalchuk said.
Gomel Oblast Vice Governor Dmitry Aleinikov assured that the region would do its best to be a good host for the 2nd CIS Games.
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