EOC delegates commend Minsk readiness for European Games

The delegates of the European National Olympic Committees have commended the readiness of Minsk to host the European Games on 21-30 June, BelTA learned from the press service of the Minsk European Games Organizing Committee (MEGOC).

The program of the event included meetings with representatives of MEGOC and the European Olympic Committees, visits to the sport venues and the Athletes’ Village.

“I have been to Minsk before and this city never fails to surprise me. We have seen that the sites and the program of the event are almost ready,” Department Head of the Russian Olympic Committee Lev Savin said. “I am sure that Minsk will host the European Games at the highest level. These games may even attract more attention and show higher results than the previous ones,” he added.

Director for Olympics and International Relations of the Polish Olympic Committee Marzenna Koszewska also shared her impressions. “During the visits to the sport venues, I found myself envying Minsk for its modern sport infrastructure. It was very important for us to come and see all the sport venues, the Athletes’ Village, meet with specialists who are responsible for various aspects of the preparation process. The result of this visit will help us plan the participation of the Polish delegation in the games,” she said.

In the closing speech, MEGOC CEO George Katulin noted that the organizers were eager not only to give a report on Minsk readiness to the games, but also hear the assessment of their work from the participants – heads of missions and representatives of teams, as well as to make sure that all the requirements to provide comfortable environment for the athletes have been met. The athletes’ performance at the games and a chance to qualify for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo depend on the organization level of the European Games in Minsk.

Participating in the event were 36 delegates from 17 sport organizations and representatives of the European Olympic Committees: the European Games Executive Director Simon Clegg, EOC Senior Consultant of the 2nd European Games Pierce O’Callaghan, and the Senior Consultant of MEGOC Laszlo Vajda.