MINSK, 26 April (BelTA) - The Olympic motto “Faster, Higher, Stronger -Together” acquires a special meaning for the Belarusian and Russian Olympic movements, Chairman of the Athletes' Commission of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus Aliaksandr Bahdanovich ahead of the meeting of the Athletes' Commissions of the NOC of Belarus and the Russian Olympic Committee, BelTA learned from the NOC press service.
According to Aliaksandr Bahdanovich, the position of the sports community of Russia and Belarus is unchangeable: there should be no discrimination on the nationality basis, no double standards and no harassment. Sports should not mix up with politics. “Our athletes are the number one thing, they are the heart of the Olympism. Athletes are most vulnerable in the current crisis situation, so it is very important to create all conditions for a full training and competition process,” he added.
The chairman of the Athletes Commission also stressed: “Every athlete is unique and is an example for the next generations. The potential demonstrated by our athletes at all major competitions, including the Olympic Games, will be in demand for years to come. The priorities for the Athletes' Commissions of Belarus and Russia are unchanged: protecting the interests of the athletes, maintaining the level of our competitions so that in the future, when we return to the international arena, we will be fully prepared to compete.”
In his opinion, the sports sectors of Belarus and Russia have huge resources and experience to overcome this crisis and demonstrate the principles of friendship and Olympism to the whole world. “The time has come to prove in deeds that we are together. Our countries are able to host the most important sports competitions and we do not need to build new infrastructure. We will continue to work, including jointly, to organize events in support of our athletes and we will use every opportunity to protect them,” said Aliaksandr Bahdanovich.
A joint meeting of the Athletes' Commissions of the NOC of Belarus and the ROC will be held in Minsk on 27 April. The leading Belarusian and Russian athletes will also hold master classes in various sports. On 28 April Russian guests will take part in the National Athletes Forum. The event will be held in the format of an interactive training workshop-conference with the elements of expert discussion. It will be attended by about 250 people - famous Belarusian and Russian athletes and coaches, as well as heads and representatives of physical education and sport organizations of Belarus.
