Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 13 April (BelTA) - Several thousands of volunteers will help make the Second European Games happen in 2019, Belarus’ Sports and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko said during the open dialogue “Volunteer is the Soul of Sport” at the National Olympic Committee of Belarus on 13 April, BelTA has learned.

According to the minister, a lot will depend on the number of the participants. “The number may reach several thousands. This entails a greater responsibility for the organizers, as volunteers should be well-trained. They should know foreign languages, know the city well and be ready to answer any questions related to sports or everyday necessities,” said Alexander Shamko.

The role of volunteers is very important for a sporting event. According to the minister, a lot has already been done to develop the volunteering movement in Belarus. The number of international sports events in the country has increased three times since 2012. Some five years ago the country hosted 25 tournaments. More than 80 sports events are scheduled in Belarus this year. “Belarus possesses sufficient experience in volunteering. Apart from that, Belarusian specialists have studied the work of volunteers at the Olympic Games and the First European Games in Baku. Today’s dialogue is the next step in improving the volunteering movement in the country. The 2019 European Games are a great chance for young people to show their worth,” the minister said.

The minister also stated that volunteers from other countries will be invited to take part. “The organizers of the forthcoming European Games do not rule out such a possibility. There is a big international pool of volunteers that is always ready to help at any championship or tournament, and has rich experience in Olympic volunteering,” Alexander Shamko said.

The open dialogue “Volunteer is the Soul of Sport” was held to discuss the preparation of the Belarusian team of volunteers for the Second European Games 2019 in Belarus. Taking part in the discussions were more than 100 people, including representatives of the BRSM Youth Union volunteering movement Good Heart, volunteers who worked at the European and world championships that were held in Belarus in 2014-2016, and also the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.