MINSK, 18 June (BelTA) – Torchbearers of the 2nd European Games Peace of Flame relay - star ambassadors, actors, athletes and musicians who participated in the relay along Nezavisimosti Avenue - shared their views of the event with BelTA.
In all times sport has been the ambassador of peace, the linking bridge between different peoples, countries and continents, the torchbearers said.
Olympic champion in aerials Alla Tsuper carried the torch for the first time in her life despite a long career in sport. “I can say that our sports facilities and the country in general are prepared to the event at the level of the Olympic Games. Belarusians will show foreign athletes and tourists their hospitality, highest class throughout, including high results in all sports. I would like to attend trampoline, artistic gymnastics, and sambo competitions,” Alla Tsuper said.
According to pianist Rostislav Krimer, music is the ambassador of peace as well. “If we pay more attention to music and sport that can unite us, then our world will be a better place. We would like to wish our athletes success. Let the games become a really big step for them on the road towards the Olympus,” Rostislav Krimer said.
Belarusian artist Aleksei Khlestov is proud of his two important roles at the 2nd European Games: star ambassador and torchbearer. In today's relay he covered the pre-final 140m. “For me it is a great honor to be part of the Flame of Peace relay because I become part of the history of Belarus. It is cool that my kids, family and friends will remember this. I am as excited as before taking to stage,” the singer said.
Stage director Aleksandr Yefremov took part in the relay ahead of the premiere of his play. “I joined the festival ahead of my premiere. I hope that these great emotions will stay with me throughout the day,” the people's artist of Belarus said.
The Flame of Peace was brought into Oktyabrskaya Square by lead singer of Bez Bileta band Vitaly Artist. “Let this flame spark off our inner strength and the desire to win both in sport and in life,” he said.
USSR trampoline champion Nikolai Kozeko confessed that he would keep an eye on the Belarusian trampoliners and possibly attend other competitions. “All our athletes trained hard. The qualifying was tough. I think that everyone is fully ready for the games. I am confident that many visitors will be surprised at how well Minsk has prepared for the competitions. Since the 2014 IIHF World Championship, the Belarusian capital has gained a considerable momentum demonstrating its consistency with international standards,” the honored coach in aerials said.
