MINSK, 21 October (BelTA) – We need sport without borders and visa restrictions, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko said as he spoke at the 45th General Assembly of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) in Minsk on 21 October, BelTA has learned.
“Our number one priority should be to promote sport without frontiers for all: athletes, coaches, fans and sport amateurs,” Alexander Lukashenko said.
The President noted that the number of participants in cross-border athletic and cycling events is increasing every year. Belarus welcomes sports events co-hosted by several countries. This strengthens cooperation and helps address emerging issues in a prompt way.
“We suggest that the EOC compile an annual European calendar of such international sports events. We need to relax, as much as possible, or even cancel visa requirements and customs formalities for their participants, athletes and fans. This will help us attract a much bigger audience,” the head of state said.
Alexander Lukashenko was awarded with the AIBA Order of Merit at the 45th EOC General Assembly. The award is presented to heads of state for their contribution to the popularization of the sports and Olympic movement and also for the recognition of their dedication and commitment to the development of the sport at the international and national levels.
