News & Events in Belarus

MINSK, 1 September (BelTA) – Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko met with presidential aide on physical education, sports and tourism Maxim Ryzhenkov and Deputy Chairman of the House of Representatives’ permanent commission on healthcare, physical education, family and youth policy Vadim Devyatovsky on 1 September. The President instructed the outstanding athlete, and now MP, to deal with the issues in the Belarusian track-and-field athletics including the national team, the children’s sport, and infrastructure, taking into account the forthcoming Summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, BelTA has learned.

“The parliamentary work is very important and responsible, but I believe that you are underused,” the head of state said addressing Vadim Devyatovsky.

Alexander Lukashenko expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the sports ministry. He also voiced his unhappiness with the results of the federations of the medal-promising sports such as swimming and athletics. The head of state stressed that a lot has been recently done for the development of the sports infrastructure and the question where to train should not be even raised.

At the same time Alexander Lukashenko noted that there are successes like, for instance, the recent victory of the Belarusian runner at the European Athletics Championships. The President underlined, however, that things look blue in other athletic disciplines where Belarus traditionally held high places. “We should work hard to return these leading positions. We can do it. We are ready to provide all possible support to athletics. We need a person that know this sector from the inside and a person in authority,” the President said.

Alexander Lukashenko stressed that he is ready to help address the issues in athletics. The Belarusian head of state also believes it is necessary to hold big international competitions in athletics in Belarus. In this respect the head of state emphasized that the Dinamo Stadium in Minsk would be reconstructed as a track-and-field facility. It will provide all necessary conditions to host European and world athletics championships at a high level.

Apart from sports issues, the issues to combat drugs distribution and the drafting of the corresponding law were also discussed at the meeting, Vadim Devyatkovsky told the media. As MP from the Novopolotsk constituency, Vadim Devyatovsky thanked the head of state for his instruction to build a new ice arena in the city.