More than Br60 billion is planned to be allocated in the Vitebsk region in 2010 for the development of sports infrastructure

May 15, Vitebsk / Sergey Kotovets - BELTA /. Over Br60 billion is planned to be allocated in 2010 for the development of the material and technical base of the sports industry in the Vitebsk region. This was announced by the head of the department of physical culture, sports and tourism of the regional executive committee, Mikhail Portnoy, at a ceremony dedicated to the Day of Physical Culture and Sports Workers, a BELTA correspondent reports. According to Mikhail Portnoy, the network of sports institutions in the region is consistently being modernized and developed. Reconstruction of the city stadium is underway in Glubokoye, and major repairs with modernization of the physical culture and recreation complex are being completed in Postavy. In 2009, the construction of a rowing center in Polotsk, an ice palace in Orsha, and a horse riding arena of the Equestrian Sports Center in the city of Barany began. In Vitebsk, work is underway to prepare for the construction of an indoor football arena with a capacity of 2.5 thousand spectators. A number of facilities were opened last year, including the sports complex of the Luzhesny boarding school-gymnasium and the physical culture and recreation complex in Miory. In total, in 2009, about Br26.5 billion was allocated to strengthen the sports infrastructure of the region. The network of sports institutions in the region includes 22 physical culture and sports clubs and 5 physical culture and recreation centers. More than 60 children's and youth sports schools, two Olympic reserve schools, and the regional school of higher sportsmanship operate in the region, training over 22,000 people. More than 3,000 specialists work in the sports industry of Vitebsk region, including 675 coaches and teachers. 24 coaches hold the title of "Honored Coach of the Republic of Belarus". In addition, in 2010, a regional public organization of sports veterans was created, which unites about 350 people. These people make an invaluable contribution to promoting a healthy lifestyle, engaging youth in sports, and raising the younger generation in the spirit of patriotism, Mikhail Portnoy emphasized. In 2009, athletes from the region won 106 medals at world and European championships and competitions, including 35 gold and 38 silver awards. Today, a ceremony was held to honor sports veterans of Vitebsk region, coaches, and the best physical culture and sports workers, who were presented with commemorative prizes and gifts. -0-