500 days left before the 2^nd European Games, which will be held from the 21st to the 30th of June 2019 in the Republic of Belarus. The international multi-sport competitions among athletes of the European continent are organized every four years under the direction of the European Olympic Committees. The first European Games took place from the 12th to the 28th of June 2015 in the capital of Azerbaijan – Baku.

In Minsk 2019 there will be competitions in 15 sports (Badminton, Basketball 3х3, Boxing, Wrestling, Cycling, Gymnastics, Canoeing and Kayaking, Judo Karate, Athletics, Sambo, Archery, Shooting, Table Tennis, Beach Soccer), 10 of which will become qualifying to the Olympic Games 2020 in Tokyo.

4,000 athletes are expected to arrive to the Belarusian capital, about 2,000 trainers and attendants representing official delegations from 50 European national Olympic committees.

While the Olympic Movement is looking forward to the opening of the Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, the preparations of the 2^nd European Games are in full effect. As a matter of fact, at the final board meeting of the Information Ministry, Belarus’ Deputy Prime Minister Vasily Zharko stated that maps, guidebooks and mini encyclopedias will be published for the guests and participants.

The organization of the Games in Minsk will be a landmark event in the sporting life of Europe. It will strengthen the promotion of Olympic values, healthy lifestyles, development of physical culture and sports in Europe.