NOC headquarters hosted send-off ceremony for Belarus’ delegation at Children of Asia Games
On February 24th, the 2nd Winter Children of Asia International Sports Games will start in Russia’s Kemerovo Region, bringing together 865 athletes from 13 countries, including Belarus, whose young athletes will be performing at the multisport forum for the first time. They will leave for the venue of the competition tomorrow, while today the delegation was seen off at the NOC headquarters.
The Belarusian team includes 68 athletes under the age of 16, who will be competing for medals in ice hockey, snowboarding, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, short track, figure skating, speed skating and alpine skiing.
Viktor Lukashenko, the President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus, welcoming the children, noted that this sports forum will enable athletes to gain competitive experience, make new friends, see new places and, of course, show what they have learned in training.
“Undoubtedly, for you, young athletes, it will be a great experience to perform in the arenas of Kuzbass,” said Viktor Lukashenko. “Remember, you will represent the country. You have the opportunity to perform under your own flag, with your own anthem. Our state invests a lot of effort in the development of sports. Of course, we expect results from you: make every effort and show everything you are capable of. Not only your parents and friends, but the whole country will be rooting for you!”
The opening ceremony of the Children of Asia Games will take place on February 25th at the Kuzbass Ice Palace. Belarus’ champion among juniors in speed skating at 1,500 and 3,000m Palina Sivets will be the standard-bearer of our team. Meanwhile, the competitive programme will open the day before, with ice hockey players being the first to fight for awards.
