Opinions & Interviews

MINSK, 19 May (BelTA) – The guests of the 2014 IIHF World Championship in Minsk have been offered an amazing and practical concept of a fan village, President of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Rene Fasel said as he visited the Student Village in Minsk on 16 May, BelTA has learned.

The IIHF President was impressed by the organization of accommodation for the world championship fans in Minsk. “It was a great idea to set up such a village for fans at the basis of the student town. Not least important is the fact that these buildings will not stay idle after,” Rene Fasel said.

The IIHF President stressed that the federation would recommend the future hosts of the world championship to pay attention to the development of a similar fan village. The main thing which distinguishes the games in Belarus is fans. The teams here get a very good support from their fans. The arenas are practically always full and it is impressive. It has been achieved thanks to the concept of such a fan village, the IIHF President emphasized. There were attempts in some countries to develop a zone of the kind. No one, however, has been able to create such a colossal fan village before.

“I have been at 28 world championships and this one is something unforgettable. As for the teams, they are also happy with everything. Both the conditions and game attendance are important for them,” Rene Fasel noted.

IIHF Vice President, head of Canada’s Ice Hockey Federation Bob Nicholson added that the idea of the fan zone in Minsk is very positive. It provides fans with an opportunity to learn the country, support their teams and also meet fans from other countries and establish contacts.

“The progress your team is making amazes me. It is clear that you will have success in the future. I hope your players will continue making their fans happy with their beautiful hockey,” Bob Nicholson said.