MINSK, 9 September (BelTA) – Sport competitions involving the largest countries and global players can change the political situation in the world for the better. Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko made the relevant statement during the opening ceremony of the Match Europe v USA on 9 September, BelTA has learned.
Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed it was a great honor for Belarus to host such large-scale competitions. It was also an opportunity to recall the past of the Dinamo Stadium – the place where legendary Soviet and American athletes performed in the previous century.
Aleksandr Lukashenko said: “Back then the USSR vs USA match demonstrated an example of fair and uncompromising fight. And most importantly it became a symbol of the desire for political balance and peaceful competition between the largest powers of that age. I am convinced that even today such sport competitions are capable of changing the political situation for the better.”
The president remarked Minsk is happy to welcome overseas friends – the sport team from the United States of America, who had had to travel a long way to reach Belarus and promptly adapt to the new conditions. “I am convinced that Belarusian hospitality, the warm welcome spectators demonstrate will help you perform at the top of your game,” the head of state told the American athletes.
According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, Belarusian spectators will surely root for all athletes – it is a characteristic trait of the tolerant nation, which is open to the world. “We know for sure that whoever wins, we – millions of fans from all over the globe – will bear witness to the birth of new track and field legends,” Aleksandr Lukashenko added.
