CIS Games: Belarus expects over 2,000 athletes from 23 countries

According to Igor Petrishenko, the operational coordination center is up and running. It has been set up to run the entire process, summarize and make competent management decisions in unconventional situations. On 1 August representatives of all regions of Belarus, the Healthcare Ministry, the Transport Ministry, the Education Ministry and other departments reported on the current stage of preparation for the Games. The country is all set to host a large number of guests for the 2nd CIS Games. All the necessary conditions for athletes have been created. These include nutrition, anti-doping control, medical support, safety and others.

"We have taken an unconventional path in terms of organization of the 2nd CIS Games. More than 240 facilities have been geared up for high-quality competitions. We expect the arrival of more than 2,100 athletes from 23 countries. Belarus and Russia will send the largest delegations. Fourteen non-CIS countries will compete in individual sports. All venues provide high-class training conditions on par with those at World Championships, the European Championships and, in fact, the Olympic Games," Igor Petrishenko said.

The deputy prime minister expressed hope for the high interest in the Games on the part of sports fans. "We have enlisted the help of fans to choose the slogan, mascot, and the logo. Souvenirs with all these symbols are on sale in our stores and are very popular with customers," he added.

Conditions have also been created for media. A large number of journalists from Belarus and more than 180 representatives from other countries have been accredited. Competitions in 14 sports will be broadcast on Belarusian television. The Games will also be broadcast on the YouTube channel.

The 2nd CIS Games in Belarus will be held from 4 to 14 August. Competitions will be held in 20 sports in 11 cities of Belarus.