MINSK, 9 January (BelTA) – Ten Belarusian athletes might play for Team Europe in the Europe vs United States athletics match that will be held at Dinamo Stadium, Minsk, on 9-10 September, Chairman of the Belarus Athletic Federation Vadim Devyatovsky said at a press conference on 9 January, BelTA has learned.
“It is important for the host country to have Belarusian athletes on Team Europe. Judging from the results of the last season, athletes like Maksim Nedasekau (high jump), Tatsiana Khaladovich, our runners Alina Talai, Elvira Herman, Maryna Arzamasava should make part of Team Europe. We expect ten Belarusian athletes to compete for Team Europe, Vadim Devyatovsky said.
“The national federation is fully supported by the Sports and Tourism Ministry as it is getting ready for the match. There are no doubts that the forthcoming tournament will be one of the most exciting ones for its participants and fans. Many of my counterparts from other federations are jealous of us in a good way and keep asking how we managed to get this match. Of course, this was the result of hard work of the Belarus Athletic Federation and European Athletics. Collaboration was the only way to bring such a big sports delegation to Minsk,” Vadim Devyatovsky said.
One of the leading Belarusian athletes, European champion in the 100m hurdles, Elvira Herman celebrates her birthday today but she came to the press conference to tell how she is preparing for the upcoming season and the match. “Plans have already been drawn up. My coach and I hope for great results. I really want to make it to Team Europe in the hurdles. The number of spots on the team is limited and the competition is tough. For me it will be a great honor to compete at Dinamo Stadium in September and show high results while competing against the best American runners,” Elvira Herman said.
Belarusian Maksim Nedasekau, one of top European athletes in high jump, is clear about his desire to be on Team Europe. “The season is going to be difficult. There are many important competitions ahead and it is important to avoid injuries. If I make it to the European squad, I will do my best to show my best jumps at Dinamo Stadium,” he said.
According to Minsk Vice Mayor Igor Yurkevich, Minsk will be a busy sport hub in Europe in 2019. “This year the capital of Belarus will host quite a few sports forums: ISU European Figure Skating Championships, 2nd European Games, Minsk Half Marathon and the Europe vs United States athletics match which is going to be a historic event not only for our country but for international athletics. The city is ready to host this important sports event. We have sufficient experience in hosting such events,” Igor Yurkevich stressed.
The Europe vs United States athletics match will be held at Dinamo Stadium, Minsk, 9-10 September and will bring together the best athletes of Europe and the United States of America.
Photos by Ramil Nasibulin
