An official press conference with European Olympic Committees (EOC) Coordination Commission Chair Spyros Capralos and Executive Director Simon Clegg was held today at Dinamo Stadium in Minsk ahead of tomorrow’s Opening Ceremony for the 2nd European Games.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Minsk European Games Organising Committee (MEGOC) CEO George Katulin was unable to attend the meeting. MEGOC Press Secretary Evgenia Nikitina was present at the conference instead, expressing her apologies for the “unexpected changes.”

EOC Coordination Commission Chair Spyros Capralos welcomed press representatives from across Europe, offering them the opportunity to pose questions to the EOC leadership.

“Over the last number of years, my colleagues and I have spent a lot of time in this great city and have seen the hard work and dedication of all those involved in transforming and readying the city to host what we believe will be a great Games,” Capralos said.

He added that it was clear to all that Minsk has fully embraced the Games: from the smooth arrivals at the airport and being greeted by the friendly and helpful volunteers to the banners and signs promoting the Games throughout the city.

The competition venues and equipment are world-class and ready for competition. Eleven out of the 12 venues used for the Games are pre-existing structures, highlighting the sustainable approach of the Games.

Considering that the Athletes Village was prepared in just three months, Capralos said he was particularly impressed with the development of the facilities, which he described as “excellent, and the quality of food and the catering services are very impressive.”

“MEGOC has provided the best for the best athletes of Europe. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and we are sure that our athletes will be happy and have great memories of their time here,” Capralos continued.

European Games Executive Director Simon Clegg echoed those sentiments by showing his gratitude to MEGOC: “I have been living here for one week every month since the beginning of last year, and seeing the development of the Games has been very inspirational.”

“The impact will go way beyond Minsk. With a total of 3,667 athletes competing, this is world class and you will see some stunning images around the world,” he continued.

Furthermore, Clegg thanked the 8,700 volunteers, without whom these “Games would not possible.” He also took the time to acknowledge some of the Azeri staff who worked at the first edition of the European Games in Baku in 2015 who are in Minsk for the duration of the Games to transfer their knowledge to MEGOC.

Capralos concluded the conference by wishing all athletes from the 50 National Olympic Committees a good time and “the best of luck.”

“We are all excited for the Games to get under way and from what I hear, the Opening Ceremony will really be something special, giving us all an insight into the wonderful culture of Belarus and the great diversity of these European Games,” he said.