Deputy Prime Minister Natallia Piatkevich presented a vytynanka to President of the National Olympic Committee Viktar Lukashenka. The gift was handed over at today’s General Assembly of the National Olympic Committee.
“The committee already has awards and certificates, so this time we wanted to give a gift from the heart. Vytynanka is very symbolic for Belarus; it has placed our country on the UNESCO world heritage list. I would like to wish that our athletes continue to write their names into the history of sport in golden letters,” Piatkevich said, as reported by BelTA.
This year marks the 35th anniversary of the National Olympic Committee, and the gift was dedicated to this date.
Piatkevich also described the main achievement of the National Olympic Committee as maintaining a balance between a state approach and independent support for athletes.
Viktar Lukashenka himself noted at the assembly that it had been possible to ensure athletes’ participation in major competitions.
“The ice has been broken; we have ensured the full participation of our delegations in key international events. Some of our representatives in winter sports have not only returned to the global arena but have also secured qualification spots, representing the country at the Olympic Games in Italy. This success is a signal to further consolidate efforts in this direction. Our athletes are receiving more and more approvals to compete internationally, and our task is to win at the international level, demonstrating the strength of the Belarusian sports school,” he said.
Viktar Lukashenka also recalled that it had been possible to hold a direct discussion with President of the International Olympic Committee Kirsty Coventry. The meeting took place via video link.
“The IOC leadership acknowledged the constructive and stable nature of our interaction. We reached an agreement to continue regular high-level contacts and jointly develop solutions on the most pressing issues of the Olympic agenda. This confirms that Belarus’s voice is heard and our arguments are taken into account,” he noted.
Viktar Lukashenka also said that last year the National Olympic Committee provided assistance to federations and sports organizations totaling more than 6 million rubles using funds received from sponsors.