Ukrainian singer Ani Lorak has become the tenth star ambassador for the 2nd European Games Minsk 2019.

Lorak, an Ukrainian singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and former United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, was unveiled as a star ambassador by the Minsk European Games Organising Committee (MEGOC) on 9 December.

Besides coming second in the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest, Lorak has worked with UNICEF and the United Nations to help Ukrainians infected with HIV.

“Sport and music erases borders and brings countries and peoples together,” MEGOC CEO George Katulin said. “Giving this certificate to one of the strongest vocalists in the world I would like to express confidence that many million armies of music and sport fans will unite, and next year we will be able to celebrate the brightest event of the year – the 2nd European Games -together.”

Lorak becomes the first star ambassador from outside of the European Games host country, joining a varied team comprised of: representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Republic of Belarus Dr Rashed Mustafa Sarwar, Belarusian classical pianist and conductor Rostislav Krimer, four-time Olympic champion and two-time World Champion biathlete Darya Domracheva, famous circus trainers Askold and Edgard Zapashnye, three-time Olympic wrestling champion Aleksandr Medved (BLR), Olympic canoe sprint champion and Belarus Member of Parliament Aliaksandr Bahdanovich (BLR), 2018 European Marathon Champion Olga Mazurenok (BLR) and TV presenter and blogger Anna Bond (BLR).

In total, 20 Minsk 2019 Star ambassadors are expected to be appointed by April 2019.