Belarusian capital boldly entrusted with Olympic rings
The decision to hold the competition in 2019 was taken at the 43rd General Assembly of the European Olympic Committee, with Minsk’s application unanimously supported by the delegates of the forum. This is no surprise, since the bid committee from Belarus includes famous athletes Yulia Nesterenko and Dmitry Dovgalenok, the General Secretary of the National Olympic Committee Georgy Katulin, Belarus’ Sports and Tourism Minister Alexander Shamko, Aide to the President for Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism Development Maxim Ryzhenkov, as well as the First Deputy Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee Vladimir Kukharev. According to the President of the European Olympic Committee, Patrick Hickey, Belarus’ image as a country that has proved its ability to organise world level tournaments was a key factor.
During the press conference Minsk — the Capital of 2019 European Youth Olympic Festival. Photo by VITALY PIVOVARCHIK
Mr. Hickey explained, “I was in Minsk in 2011 and know that you boast wonderful sports facilities of top quality as well as a beautiful and contemporary city which is keen and able to organise competitions. The officials and leadership in your country understand and support sport. My friend René Fasel, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation, said that the recent IIHF World Championship here was the best ever. I’m convinced that Minsk is the right choice!”
When conducting the European Youth Olympic Festival, according to the official protocol, all procedures of the International Olympic Committee should be observed: the torch relay and the lighting of the Olympic flame, the parade of nations and the opening ceremony, the Olympic athletes’ oath and the Olympic judges’ oath, as well as the raising of the Olympic flag.
The competitions of the European Youth Olympic Festival in 2019 in Minsk will be first hosted by top level arenas: Minsk-Arena, the Sports Palace, the Football Manege, the Water Sports Palace. It’s planned to organise a group race along the Minsk-Zaslavl highway which has suitable relief and opportunity for rather quick provision of security of its participants.
