Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 7 April (BelTA) - Representatives of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and its commercial partner Infront Sports & Media, are happy with Belarus’ preparations for the 2014 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Minsk, BelTA has learnt.

IIHF Deputy General Secretary/ Event Director Hannes Ederer said in an interview to the ONT Channel that the federation would have all necessary conditions for fruitful and efficient work during the competitions. “I have had no doubts about it before. The hotel where our office will be based is great. As for the arenas, Minsk Arena has never raised any questions. It is an absolutely unique ground. I saw Chizhovka Arena during the Christmas Ice hockey Tournament in January 2014. There were some faults then, but now everything is ready,” he stressed.

IIHF Chief Medical Officer Mark Aubry, for his part, stressed that everything the inspectors saw in Belarus is at a high level of readiness. “I will personally tell the coaches of the participating teams they have nothing to worry about,” he said.

President of the Ice Hockey Federation of Estonia Jaan Melder stressed: “Ice arenas are ready for the world championship. The staff will do their best. We are totally satisfied with what we have seen.”

The visit of IIHF inspectors to Belarus completed on 4 April. it was sixth and final inspection ahead of the world sport forum in the Belarusian capital.

The delegation comprises IIHF Deputy General Secretary/ Event Director Hannes Ederer, IIHF Transfer of Knowledge Director Cornelia Ljungberg, IT Director Martin Zoellner, and Infront Sports & Media representatives.

The guests visited the two ice arenas, saw their locker-rooms, offices, personnel facilities. The inspectors discussed the issues related to information technology, transport services for teams, accreditation, progress made in the preparation of the annual IIHF Congress and other issues. The parties discussed in detail the ticket program of the championship. Besides, the inspectors met with representatives of the Trade Ministry to consider the issues related to the supplies and sales of the NEN merchandise.