MINSK, 18 December (BelTA) - The National Olympic Committee of Belarus played host to a ceremony on 18 December to award scholarship certificates to 264 promising athletes and coaches who have been selected by the central council of the Belarus President's Sport Club for scholarships in 2020, BelTA has learned.
According to the club, 157 out of 192 athletes from the list claimed medals at the biggest international competitions. Thirty-four of them got the scholarship for the second year in a row.
Canoeist Aleksandra Kallaur, a two-time European junior champion and high jumper Yahor Huptar, a gold medalist of the European Youth Olympic Festival, are among those to achieved the biggest success. Among the scholarship recipients are representatives of 31 sports.
Addressing the athletes, President of the Central Council of the Belarus President's Sport Club Dmitry Lukashenko expressed confidence that scholarships would become an important step on their path to the elite sport. “Your first achievements and potential give no ground to doubt your future success. Keep moving forward and develop your talents. Do not forget that investments in sports are not only financial means but also efforts of coaches, assistance from your loved ones and support of fans. Do not be afraid to hit new records and strive to reach the tops. Look around: many of your colleagues have been able to become the best in the world. Be bold, too,” he said.
Attending the ceremony was First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee Viktor Lukashenko, Sports and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk, Olympic champion in rhythmic gymnastics Marina Lobatch.
The scholarship to an athlete will average Br6,623 per year.
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The President's Sports Club will pay scholarships to the athletes and coaches throughout 2020, which will help them prepare for major competitions.
Photos by Oksana Manchuk