Opening of Dinamo Stadium in Minsk
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Belarus President Aleksandr Lukashenko took part in the opening ceremony of the renewed Dinamo Stadium in Minsk on 21 June.
The head of state presented a symbolic key to the stadium to members of the national track-and-field athletics team and football players. Belarus’ national anthem was performed during the ceremony, with spectators seated on the grandstands of the new stadium singing it, too.
“Relying on traditions and experience, today we are starting a new life of the great cultural and sport venue. Only Belarusian specialists have been employed to take care of all the restoration and construction work. By using cutting-edge technologies, they’ve preserved the historical foundation while making the stadium up-to-date and high-tech. Now we can proudly invite famous athletes from all over the world to come here. I am convinced that the stadium will definitely become home to active leisure fans. From now on the Dinamo Stadium will always host the largest and most interesting events,” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
On behalf of sport fans, athletes, and the entire Belarusian nation the Belarus President expressed gratitude for the magnificent stadium. “Let me tell you something personal. I was lucky once to play in this stadium. I remember, I know that, fortunately, many legends of this stadium still live. Making the decision to revive the stadium, in essence, to create a new physical training, sport, and cultural center here, I was thinking about those, whose destiny was connected with this stadium, who lived for this stadium, who went to see games, competitions, and concerts here. And about millions of other people starting with our reporters, commentators and ending with the greatest athletes,” the Belarusian leader noted.
Aleksandr Lukashenko reminded about the history of the legendary stadium, which hosted competitions of the 1980 Olympic Games. In 2019 the Dinamo Stadium will become the heart of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019. The opening ceremony will take place here as well as field-and-track athletics competitions.
“Sport and the Olympic movement serve high and noble causes. They are meant to unite countries and nations, bolster the will and character of athletes, and inspire dreams in the younger generation. May this renovated stadium become a symbol of these beautiful ideals!” Aleksandr Lukashenko said.
“Our nation expects athletes to produce great accomplishments. The nation has the right to expect them. I want athletes to be worthy of this great nation," the President remarked.
In his speech Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that the stadium will become the heart of the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019. The games will be a magnificent event for Belarus and the entire international community. The opening ceremony will take place in the Dinamo Stadium as well as field-and-track athletics competitions.