EYOF champions, medalists honored in Belarusian NOC

NOC President Viktor Lukashenko congratulated the athletes and coaches on their successful performance at the 18th Summer European Youth Olympic Festival (EYOF) in Skopje, North Macedonia and presented them with valuable gifts and monetary awards.

“For the first time since 2021, we have participated in such a multi-sport tournament. There were some concerns about how things would turn out. Of course, proper preparation and participation in major events like Children of Primorye and Children of Asia were helpful, but still there were some concerns. Despite all the obstacles and sanctions, you became even more motivated, determined to fight until the end and win. You proved that you can be first and the best, that you can step up and achieve results. Our team placed 12th out of 49 nations, winning 13 medals, 5 of them were gold. Thank you so much for this! I believe you are all pleased with the fact that you competed in uniforms featuring Belarus' national colors and the emblem of the NOC of Belarus. The moment is not far off when we will proudly step onto the global stage under our national flag and coat of arms. Of course, your victories are the culmination of hard work by your coaches, doctors, administrative staff, employees of the NOC of Belarus, and, naturally, your parents. This festival is just the beginning of your journey into elite sport. In the future, we hope to see your portraits in the Olympic Hall of Fame among Belarus' greatest athletes," Viktor Lukashenko said.

In his remarks Belarusian First Deputy Sport and Tourism Minister Aleksandr Dorokhovich emphasized that the athletes and their coaches had put in tremendous work. Valuable gifts, certificates, and letters of appreciation were presented to the coaches in recognition of their high professionalism and contribution to training young athletes.

The young athletes also shared their impressions after the awards ceremony.

“We did well at the festival thanks to the support of our coaches, teammates, and families, and also discipline and perseverance. Two gold medals are great, but I could have done even better. I really loved the competitive spirit in Skopje. The festival is a great springboard for a career, and my ultimate goal is an Olympic medal. We appreciate the congratulations from the NOC of Belarus. Our team really enjoyed it, and we even took a group photo as a keepsake," said Maksim Malyshka, a two-time swimming champion at the EYOF.

Joining in the congratulations for the young Belarusian athletes were also partners of the NOC of Belarus. Anatoly Lysiuk, Chairman of the Board of Belagroprombank, and Igor Cherginets, Director General of Belavia, presented gifts to the athletes and noted that young people in our country are actively engaged in sport.

“Such achievements make us proud. They also show how well sports are developing in our country. We are grateful to the National Olympic Committee of the Republic of Belarus for our cooperation. Our team always follows sporting events and the successes of our athletes," Anatoly Lysiuk said.

During the ceremony, the president of the Belarusian NOC presented a General Sponsor certificate to Belagroprombank, with which the National Olympic Committee has maintained fruitful cooperation since 2013.

In the capital of North Macedonia, 46 Belarusian athletes competed in six sports and won 13 medals: 5 gold, 4 silver, and 4 bronze. Based on the competition results, Team Belarus ranked in the top 15 (12th place) in the overall medal standings among 49 participating nations.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus
Photos by the NOC of Belarus