Events

MINSK, 25 August (BelTA) – It is inadmissible to spend excessive amounts of money on various trips of sport functionaries or events, which are not directly related to the achievement of sport results. Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko made the statement as he met with players and coaches of the ice hockey club Dinamo Minsk on 25 August, BelTA has learned.

Alexander Lukashenko said: “Some people get offended that the National Olympic Committee does not give them money. Don’t blame NOC. It is I, who has forbidden spending money on useless trips and all kinds of PR stuff. You can get money from NOC, money is available, but only for athletes and coaches. And sometimes for events like travelling to some tournament, for instance. We will help with that. But we will not give money for some functionaries or business trips.”

Alexander Lukashenko remarked that extra funding will be allocated for sports, for ice hockey in particular, only in exchange for concrete results. “If there are no results, basic pay is all you’ll get,” he said.

The same approach will be used to financial support for sport organizations at the local level, said the president. The regulations may be adjusted in order to prevent unjustified spending of state budget funds.

The head of state also drew attention to the need to analyze interaction between the ice hockey club Dinamo Minsk and the Belarusian sport society Dinamo with a view to optimizing their performance and human resources. “I have yet to look into it. There is an entire society Dinamo where people go in for many sports. They may take care of funding the team. You will save money like that,” said Alexander Lukashenko. “This club is part of the society. The club is autonomous yet it is a subordinate organization for all intents and purposes.”

“I am not saying you will not get money. You will always get money. The question is: what kind of money? It is up to you. If you produce results, you will never have to worry about money,” added the president.