Press releases

MINSK, 9 February (BelTA) – The ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating 2016/17 Series will wrap up this weekend in Minsk, Belarus. This will be the sixth and final leg of the series with several Ladies and Men World Cup distance titles to be determined this weekend, BelTA has learned.

Belarusian sports lovers will have an opportunity to see the world’s best short-trackers from Russia, the Netherlands, the Republic of Korea, Canada and China. Belarusians cannot boast yet of high achievements but will perform to the top of their abilities to please the home crowd.

Team Belarus wil include 9 athletes including the country’s champions Maksim Sergeyev, Evgeny Ryzhov and Vera Tribul.

Competitions will start at 11:00 on 10 February, at 10:00 on 11 February and at 9:30 on 12 February. The organizers are planning a variety of activities for fans. There will be a fanzone for children, sport goods and souvenir shops and a comfortable hospitality area for everyone. Fans will be able to enjoy hot drinks, snacks and take part in competitions to win special prizes from the organizers.

The Minsk event will become the sixth and final leg this season. The previous World Cups were held in Calgary (Canada), Salt Lake City (U.S.), Shanghai (China), Gangneung (Koera) and Dresden (Germany). Starting the next World Cup season the athletes will be able to win licenses for the Olympic Winter Games 2018. Belarus is hopeful to earn 2 to 4 Olympic berths.