Closing ceremony of Olympic Hopes ice hockey tournament

Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko attended the closing ceremony of the Olympic Hopes ice hockey tournament in Minsk on 1 April.

“We hold such tournaments for young ice hockey amateurs. Perhaps, they will become professionals in this sport. We have already held the Golden Puck tournament which featured thousands of children of different ages. We provided an opportunity for every ice hockey amateur to show their skills. The Golden Puck gold went to Medved team Four best teams of the Golden Puck tournament took part in the Olympic Hopes tournament. Griffons team celebrated the victory this time. Looking at you today I thought that very soon we will compete in the final of the world championship,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.

The President praised the performance of the young players from Brest Oblast and Mogilev Oblast. “You decently fought against the grandees of our children's hockey - two Minsk teams,” said the President.

The head of state congratulated participants on the completion of the tournament, thanked the coaches for training the players.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also thanked the players’ parents. "Without you, they would not be here. I know how much work and patience it takes to train a hockey player. Believe me, this will all pay off. These children will grow up to be true patriots of our country,” the President said.

The head of state presented trophies to the best teams of the competition. He also presented medals to Griffons team. He wished all the participants of the tournament happiness, success and new victories.