The signing ceremony took place at Minsk Town Hall, with the Chairman of Belarus’ Ice Hockey Federation and the Head of the Directorate in charge of 2014 IIHF World Championship, Yevgeny Vorsin, exchanging signatures with Infront’s Winter Sports Division Executive Director Bruno Marty.
Infront has been the commercial partner of the International Ice Hockey Federation for many years and has worked with the organising committees of the 2005, 2009 and 2010 world championships. It is currently planning forthcoming world championships for 2011, 2012 and 2013. The company’s goal is to share its expertise and knowledge with organising committees, helping them achieve the highest standards.
According to Mr. Marty, Belarus has already done much to prepare for the championship, with Minsk-Arena open three years ahead of the competition. This is to be the major venue of the event, accommodating 15,000 fans. Another stadium, Chizhovka-Arena, is being built; it will seat about 8,000. Mr. Marty underlines that there is no doubt that Minsk will prepare well for the world ice hockey tournament, holding it at the highest level; Infront will provide Belarus with every assistance.
Commenting on allegations that Minsk might lose the honour of hosting the championship, for political reasons, Mr. Marty emphasised that he is not engaged in politics. He stressed, “We know full well that the International Ice Hockey Federation has granted Minsk the right to hold the championship and there are no grounds to reconsider the decision. Belarus is an excellent venue for the World Championship.”
The IIHF World Championship in Minsk will be held from May 9th-25th, 2014.
