2nd CIS Games already part of history as Minsk-Arena hosted closing ceremony
Ten days have passed like a second. It seems sport lovers lived in anticipation of a big holiday just yesterday, but it eventually began – and the first medals were captured, the first champions were named, first joys, disappointments, victorious smiles and tears of a defeat followed… The festival was gaining momentum and rushing across Belarus at the speed of a hurricane, involving tens of thousands of people in its huge funnel of incredible emotions. It then came to a finish line – and this is exactly the case when everyone has won: there are no losers in the 2nd CIS Games.
It was not only a celebration of sports, but also an incredibly colourful, vibrant festival of friendliness. The 2nd CIS Games returned the sport to its initial essence – when battles are fought only in arenas, and mutual respect and unity reign outside stadiums. In Belarus, all sportsmen performed under their native flags, anthems were played, and national mentalities and religions were respected. Sports meant peace here, uniting all on a global scale.
There were practically no sharp criticisms on the part of guests, participants, numerous tourists and ordinary fans. True, there were some problematic points – as it is virtually impossible to exist without them – but the reaction was always adequate and sincere: understanding smiles on the one hand, and an instant attempt to mend everything on the other hand. Almost all arenas in all 20 sports were full, and while athletes’ recognition of the incredible atmosphere and sincere support became a calling card of the 2nd CIS Games. Belarusian sportsmen captured more than two hundred medals, but the competitions will be definitely remembered not only for the records and results. Gold medals are important, but the ten-day atmosphere of sincerity, inspiration and kindness that reigned at the Games is of much greater value.
The closing ceremony was also accompanied by the buoyant mood of sport lovers. Of course, they all could not but felt the understandable sadness, which always penetrates the soul at the moment of saying goodbye to something that has become dear. "An amazing holiday!” a family from Grodno did not hide their delight. “We specially took a vacation for the period of the Games in order to travel around as many locations and cities as possible with our children: we wanted to see everything and have time for all sights. We were once again convinced that the kindest people live in our country, that Belarus is the most beautiful land, and that there is no better place on our planet! We are proud to be citizens of such a state. We are happy that the guests were delighted with our country and sincerely wanted to come back here again." There have been plenty of comments of the kind.
People began arriving to the Minsk-Arena long before the start of the closing ceremony. There was a light festive chaos, lots of smiles and sincere laughter, the performance of animators… Thousands of sport lovers communicated with each other like old acquaintances and friends. The solemn part of the event was also heart-warming: the closing concert was truly sincere and emotional, it was as cordial and organic as the Games themselves. Volunteers, sportsmen, members of delegations and fans once again found themselves side by side, shoulder to shoulder in the stands. There was a parade of athletes and a ball of volunteers. Belarusian pop stars and a fashionable youth singer, Khabib, performed.
True, that was the closing ceremony, but no one said goodbye to the CIS Games: everyone was bidding farewell to the beloved sports festival for only two years. The next Games will be held in 2025, and Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister Igor Petrishenko – who chaired the organising committee for the preparation and holding of the 2nd CIS Games – passed the baton to beautiful sunny Azerbaijan: the flag of the Commonwealth of Independent States was taken from his hands by his Azerbaijani counterpart, Shahin Mustafayev. We shall all see each other in just two years!
