Aleksandr Lukashenko made new appointments

    President of the Republic of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko made a number of new appointments on 31 October.

    The head of state appointed Alexander Shamko Sport and Tourism Minister of the Republic of Belarus.

    Maksim Ryzhenkov has been appointed presidential aide for physical education, sports and tourism development.

    Aleksandr Lukashenko proposed the candidature of Igor Rachkovsky as First Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus.

    According to the President, Alexander Shamko has an extensive experience in the sports industry. When working at the Emergencies Ministry he supervised the fire-rescue team, which is a four-time world champion (the biggest number of champion titles by one country in the history of the sport).

    Igor Rachkovsky is currently in charge of the Belarusian Sailing Federation, and is well familiar with the issues of development of elite sports.

    The head of state asked the newly appointed to start working without delay. They will be introduced to the staff today.

    The personnel reshuffle was made in the run-up to the meeting of the NOC Executive Committee due on 1 November, which will discuss all major organizational issues of the Executive Committee, outline the functions and tasks for the Vice Presidents and each Member of the Executive Committee.

    Following the meeting the National Olympic Committee held last week, the Executive Committee will discuss the most topical aspects of the Olympic movement in Belarus.