The fire of true justice and sports fraternity burns in Minsk

The President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2nd CIS Games. The colourful show that took place in the Minsk Arena was watched by millions of spectators from all over the world.

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The 2nd CIS Games are held in 20 athletic disciplines in Belarus from August 4th to August 14th. More than 2.2 thousand athletes representing more than 20 states take part in them. This bright sports holiday is a worthy response to Western political and sports functionaries who have mixed sports and politics together and thus crossed out the Olympic Charter and international sports principles.
The official part began with a ceremony to raise the flags of Belarus and the CIS. The Belarusian flag was raised to the national anthem by eminent athletes — two-time Olympic rowing champion Ekaterina Karsten, Olympic trampoline champion Ivan Litvinovich and Olympic canoe champion Aleksandr Maseikov. Three more well-known Belarusian athletes — Olympic champions in athletics Yanina Karolchyk-Pravalinskaya and Yulia Nestsiarenka and Olympic handball champion Andrey Barbashinsky — took part in a ceremony to raise the flag of the Commonwealth of Independent States. 
In his speech, Aleksandr Lukashenko addressed not only the participants of the competitions and a huge audience, but also Western politicians who are trying to hide behind the iron curtain from the truth of life, 

“The slogan of our Games is Strong in Spirit, Strong in Competition! It is not just about sport. It is about every one of us. The time has come for courageous and resolute people, able to stand up for the honour of the country, for the victories of their fathers and the future of their children. This is our time.”

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As the President noted, the Belarusian land is hosting the Games of the Commonwealth of Independent States — once again, the attention of millions of fans around the world is riveted to Belarus. Just like four years ago, when the victorious fanfare of the 2nd European Games sounded at the Belarusian stadiums.

“Their flame lit in Minsk has not gone out. It burns with faith in the Olympic ideals, true justice and sports unity. It unites true friends, loyal and reliable — people with iron character.

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Furthermore, it has brought us together. The atmosphere here is wonderful. You create it with your emotions, openness, and friendliness. Thank you very much,” the Head of State said.
Aleksandr Lukashenko expressed gratitude to the leadership of the CIS countries and other states from where sports delegations and sports fans came to Belarus. 
“You have shown confidence in Belarus, and we will hold this sports tournament with dignity. It has a great future. In addition, this future is in our hands. No matter how striving to take it away the world bosses — embittered and powerless. I am sure they see us today too. Watch, listen, and draw 
conclusions. You are trying to remove strong competitors from international sport. 

You want to take away our sport victories. You are killing the spirit and purpose of the Olympic movement. This is a sign of weakness and your fear. This is an attempt to hide behind the iron curtain from the truth of life. This is recognition of the strength of our deepest values, which are shared by the overwhelming majority of people on the planet, including ordinary Europeans and Americans.

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 Thousands have gathered here. Millions watch the broadcast. Everyone will see not only our beautiful Belarus, but also the culture of those twenty countries represented by leading athletes. You will see the traditions, the heroic history of Belarus, which is shared by all countries of the Commonwealth. You will see that Belarus has a magnificent enchanting nature. Everyone will see modern arenas, strong athletes, exciting competitions and new records, and most importantly — a great international interest in these Games,” the President of Belarus stated.
As the Head of State emphasised, over two thousand athletes from more than twenty countries of different continents came to us. 

“No sanctions, no political intrigues will deprive us of this fest. It is impossible. The world is small, interdependent, interconnected. Only madmen are trying to break these ties,” the Belarusian leader is convinced. 

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Aleksandr Lukashenko wished the athletes participating in the Games good luck and great personal achievements, noting that neither Russians, nor Belarusians, nor representatives of other countries can be excluded from the international Olympic and sports movement, “You will always be in demand. You will always be in business… I declare the 2nd CIS Games open!” 
Together with thousands of spectators who packed the Minsk Arena stands, the Belarusian leader watched the spectacular performance that featured more than 1,000 performers, including the Belarusian leading singers, singing and dancing professional and amateur bands.
The lighting of the Flame of the 2nd CIS Games was a draw of the opening ceremony. This tradition dates back to the ancient Greeks’ sports competitions, and usually the torch is carried by a famous person to the cauldron. This time the organisers decided to make an exception and entrusted the solemn mission to a young gymnast, a prize-winner of the national rhythmic gymnastics competitions Aleksandra Zubovich, who was accompanied by three-time bronze medallist of the world rhythmic gymnastics championships Anastasiia Salos and head coach of the Belarusian national sambo team, many-time champion of world and European sambo championships Yuri Rybak.

Russian President Vladimir Putin sent a greeting to the participants, organisers and guests of the 2023 2nd CIS Games in Belarus,  

“Dear friends, I greet you on the occasion of the opening of the 2nd CIS Games in the Republic of Belarus. It is gratifying that the 1st CIS Games, held in 2021 at the initiative of Russia, were successful, received comprehensive support, and became an important event in the sports calendar of the CIS states. The current Games have significantly expanded their geography, brought together thousands of participants, their coaches, mentors and fans in Belarusian cities. In the coming days, they will provide athletes with an excellent opportunity to compete with strong rivals, show character and will, the desire to fight to the end — and win,” the message of greetings said.
Vladimir Putin is confident that the 2nd CIS Games will convincingly demonstrate their creative and consolidating potential, contribute to international humanitarian co-operation, and strengthen personal and human contacts. And, of course, they will popularise sport and promote the values of a healthy, active lifestyle, especially among young people.

Tajikistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Matlubakhon Sattoriyon, 

“I would like to express sincere words of gratitude for the hospitality and warm welcome in Belarus. It is very beautiful and incredibly hospitable here. We felt comfortable and cosy. You can see that everything is made with love here. We wish happiness, joy, harmony and prosperity to the Belarusian people. Belarus is a great host of the Games. The opening ceremony and the Games themselves are organised at the highest level… People’s friendliness, the beauty of the country, and the forests simply captivated me. We were all very comfortable here, and we are leaving Belarus with wonderful impressions. It is clear that Belarus is a sporting nation. A healthy lifestyle is your calling card.”

Minister of Sports of the Russian Federation Oleg Matytsin, 

“Together we are initiating a new format for holding competitions. Traditionally, one or another international organisation determines the policy and organises competitions for a certain number of countries or federations. We now have a deep conviction that the world is becoming multipolar, including in the field of sports. We must be able to go beyond traditional and conservative formats. We put the development of sports at the forefront.” 
Oleg Matytsin draws attention to the fact that the proposed format is not opposed to any other, “The fact that representatives of more than 20 countries came to the 2nd CIS Games today indicates that this is correct. I want to repeat: this is not an alternative, but a new direction. And here the governments of the countries determine how they develop the sports direction, which is an important part of national development.” 

Based on materials of sb.by and belta.by