Minsk Ski Race 2019

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Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko took part in the Minsk Ski Race 2019 on 9 February. The race was held in the format of biathlon competitions for the first time.

The team of the head of state won the Minsk Ski Race 2019. Apart from the Belarusian President, the team comprised four-time Olympic champion Darya Domracheva, Svetlana Konoshenko and Nikolai Lukashenko.

Partaking in the race were about 20 teams comprising famous athletes and representatives of various industries, Belarusian singers and journalists.

Aleksandr Lukashenko also talked to the participants of the sports event which took place in a very friendly and warm atmosphere.

By the next winter Belarus will launch the production of good skis that can be used in mass sports and in training of athletes, the President told reporters after the race. For top-tier athletes the country will procure equipment from the global brands.

“I promise you that we will produce good skis. Of course, for such athletes as Dasha Domracheva or Nadia Skardino we will select the equipment from among leading ski producers. It is not that easy to be up to par with the best manufacturers. I am not setting such a goal. We need skis for training of athletes. Upon reaching certain level, or the highest level, the athlete will be able to choose from the world’s best producers,” the President said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that the domestic production of good skis is only a matter of time: “This time frame is one year. We will have good skis by next winter.” “We now produce boots, sticks, everything. Marko footwear producer gave me the boots. These are excellent boots. I did not like the first pair. But the second one is top-notch. They hold skis very well. Well done! We produce skis for beginners. But we need skis for medium and up levels. We will launch the production of such skis. In the meantime, we have purchased the gear we do not produce. All athletes are prodded with everything necessary,” the Belarusian leader said.

Speaking about the selection of skis for athletes, the President said that it is wrong to think that any pair of skis by a world-famous manufacturer would do for top-level competitions: “Domracheva is so fast just because her pair of skis is one in a thousand.”

The focus on sport development in Belarus and the hosting of big international sport competitions brings great results to the country, Aleksandr Lukashenko said.

“This all pays off,” the head of state said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that, first of all, this is about the country's image.

The President cited the ISU European Figure Skating Championship recently held in Minsk. The participants of the competitions got a chance to feel the hospitality of Belarus and see the beauty of the country.

Speaking about the forthcoming international sport forums in Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko pointed not only to the 2nd European Games and also to the Europe vs United States athletics match. “I have dreamed of it and asked the head of the International Athletics Federation to bring the Europe vs United States match here. This will be a great festival,” the Belarusian leader said

“The fact that people visit us and leave our country with great memories costs a lot. This investment may not be in us, but can become a solid foundation for our children and grandchildren. Do not feel sorry for the money spent on guests,” said Aleksandr Lukashenko.