MINSK, 21 September (BelTA) – A group of experts of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) will help Belarus prepare for the 2019 European Games, Chairman of the EOC Coordination Commission, President of the Greek National Olympic Committee Spyros Capralos said at the joint meeting of the EOC Coordination Commission with representatives of the Organizing Committee and the Directorate for Second European Games fund at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus on 21 September, BelTA has learned.
The commission is in Belarus on an official visit. A number of issues have already been discussed during the meetings. The EOC emphasized an important role of the government bodies that are taking part in the preparations for the event. “The Directorate for the Second European Games has a good working plan. There is a team of professionals that is directly involved in the preparations for the games. The OEC Coordination Commission has also brought its group of experts. These specialists will help find the best solution to any problems that may arise at the stage of preparations. The Second European Games in Belarus should involve as many people as possible. The successful organization of this multi-sport event in 2019 will help promote the idea of the European Games,” said Spyros Capralos.
Talking to journalists the chairman of the EOC Coordination Commission stressed the need to attract as many top athletes as possible to the European Games. “This is one of the most important tasks. The world's leading athletes will make the European Games even more interesting. As you know, athletes will be able to compete for a number of the Tokyo Olympics berths. The EOC actively cooperates with different sport federations. The corresponding agreements have already been reached. I am happy that the Second European Games will feature karate, which was included into the 2020 Olympic program, and 3x3 basketball that was not part of the First European Games. The EOC supported the International Olympic Committee in including these sports into the program of the Second European Games,” noted Spyros Capralos.
The chairman of the EOC Coordination Commission is also looking forward to learning the results of the Second European Games mascot competition which is due to be over on 15 November.
The EOC Coordination Commission will continue its work in Minsk through 23 September.
