Vitebsk region delegates its athletes, volunteers, and other participants to the 2019 European Games
The scale of the upcoming event is impressive: over 4,000 athletes from more than 50 European countries, 23 disciplines, 10 days of intense competition for the title of the best, almost 200 sets of medals, 18,000 accredited participants, and over 24,000 volunteers. In terms of scale, it is comparable to the Winter Games in Pyeongchang. For athletes, the European Games are a chance to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Alexey Bogdanovich, Head of the Communications and Public Relations Department of the Directorate of the II European Games 2019 Fund, emphasized that ticket sales have long been underway online and in cities across the republic, and tickets for some final competitions in the most popular sports (gymnastics, beach soccer, karate) are already 50% sold out.
The Directorate has strived to keep prices affordable – from 5 to 50 Belarusian rubles. For the most sought-after spectacles – the opening and closing ceremonies – the cost of a spectator seat is 150–300 Belarusian rubles and 70–150 Belarusian rubles, respectively.
For foreigners, tickets provide the opportunity to stay in Belarus without a visa from June 10 to July 10, regardless of the mode of transport used by guests from abroad. This fact was noted, for example, in Prague by representatives of the Czech Olympic Committee, who expressed interest not only in an official visit of the national team but also in organizing excursion tours for fans.
Regarding spectator convenience, special zones are provided for people with disabilities, including places for wheelchair users and guide dogs.
In addition, these individuals will be accompanied by volunteers, ensuring a comfortable experience at the stadiums for everyone. Alexey Bogdanovich mentioned that during the closing ceremony, all spectators at the stadium will become participants in a grand show, which is another reason to attend the European Games final in person.
The assistance of volunteers at such an event is invaluable, noted Maxim Koshkolda, Head of Marketing, Commercial Affairs, and Advertising for the foundation. As of now, 24,000 applications have been approved, and they continue to be received. Belarusians, Russians, Ukrainians, English, Americans, Malaysians – the geography of the volunteer movement is extensive.
Of course, the primary criterion for selection was foreign language proficiency, but the desire to help others and communication skills were also important. Some of our compatriots gained volunteer experience at the recent FIFA World Cup in Russia, which will undoubtedly help them at the European Games as well.
Since this is not only a sporting but also a major cultural event for the country, the regions will not be left out. For example, the Flame of Peace relay, which begins in Rome on May 3rd, will arrive in the Vitebsk region on May 24th and continue until the 29th.
Among the torchbearers, of whom there are about 450 in the relay, renowned athletes from the region, Vyacheslav Goncharov and Vadim Devyatovsky, will be featured.
The Flame of Peace will also be passed from city to city by pop stars, educators, and representatives of work collectives.