MINSK, 21 August (BelTA) - Everything that has been done in our country for sports, physical education and tourism, for strengthening the nation's health has been created by many generations of Belarusians. All this can be wasted overnight, so one should not fall for various provocations, Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said in his address to the representatives of the sector. The address was published on the website of the Sport and Tourism Ministry, BelTA has learned.
“Everything that has been done in our country for sport, physical education and tourism, strengthening the health of the nation, has been created by many generations of Belarusians. It is possible to waste all of it overnight. Please stop falling for provocations, slogans and calls to strikes. This is the way to a dead end. People look at us. People are sincerely worried about the fate of every athlete, coach and the entire Belarusian sport. We can and must show them an example of firmness, strength of spirit and unity,” said Sergei Kovalchuk.
The minister is convinced that at all times it was sport that united and consolidated people, served for the sake of peace and friendship between countries and peoples. Today its role remains intact.
“Our athletes should not give up or become despondent, but distance themselves from destructive, extremist forces. In no way should we respond to threats and blackmail, not to panic and not to be afraid of anybody. It is important to keep cool, stay prudent and in no case make hasty conclusions. I am confident that together we will be able to overcome all the difficulties, to become stronger, to keep peace and tranquility on our land,” said Sergei Kovalchuk.