Brightly. Sincerely. Extensively

The 2nd CIS Games as a reminder of fair and pure sport without politics

10 days and 10 cities. 22 participating countries. 21 involved arenas, and almost all of them are sold out even on weekdays. 246 sets of awards played. Over 2200 participants and 1246 volunteers. Tens of thousands of guests and fans. Atmosphere of unity and brotherhood. A sea of emotions, impressions and a slight sadness that the 2nd CIS Games, having flown through the country like a whirlwind, ended so quickly.

belta

It was not only a real, eventful holiday of sports, but also an incredibly colourful, bright festival of mutual respect and friendship. 
The 2nd CIS Games returned to the sport its former familiar essence, which had long been trampled on in the West, thrown into the political mud and trampled on. Here everyone performed under their own flags, hymns sounded here, and everyone respected the national mentalities and religions of the other. Here the sport really represented peace, in the full and comprehensive sense of the word.
The fact that the audience is interested in competitions in this format, without jesuitism and dark spots, was shown by the stadium occupancy figures: even taking into account the fact that young people competed in many disciplines, full houses became a common thing, and the words of athletes about the incredible atmosphere and crazy support became a calling card of the 2nd CIS Games. The strongest teams were represented here (sambo, rhythmic gymnastics, weightlifting, field hockey and beach soccer), the level of competition and struggle was at least as good as the championships of Europe and the world. Belarusian athletes have gained more than two hundred medals, but the competition, of course, will be remembered not only for records and results. Gold awards are important, honour will be given to each champion, but the microclimate of sincerity, inspiration and kindness that reigned at the Games for all ten days is much more significant. 


The open format of the tournament made a difference.
 In addition to delegations from nine CIS countries, representatives of Bahrain, Venezuela, Vietnam, Egypt, Iran, Yemen, Kuwait, Cuba, Lebanon, Malaysia, Mongolia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Pakistan fought for medals, which added special colours and unique flavour to our multisport forum. The participation of athletes from Belarus and Russia in the 2024 Olympics in Paris is still in question: the Western political elite does not want to see us there and does not hide it. And the West has long been trying to adjust the Games themselves only to their own benefits and desires: new types are introduced into the competition programme that correspond exclusively to Western subculture. Breakdancing, surfing and skateboarding are, of course, good, but whether these funs are related to high-performance sports is a big question. While Sambo still remains outside the Olympic prospects, the participation in competitions of such traditional blocks of the Olympic programme, cultivated since ancient times, as wrestling, boxing, weightlifting... The Olympics are gradually transforming from classic sports competitions into a glamorous farce and ultramodern. Two years ago, the old Olympic motto Faster. Higher. Stronger was replenished by one more word — Together. In the current realities, such a rebranding sounds like a mockery. Like the Paris 2024 Olympic slogan Games Wide Open. An outright lie. Cheating and deceit. How can there be openness if there is wild persecution and discrimination based on nationality? 
The 2nd CIS Games that sport can and should be out of politics. And that adherents of this principle will always find platforms where they can compete and identify the strongest in fair and equal conditions for all. Whether it’s CIS Games, Friendship Games or BRICS Games. 
It is not the name that is important, but the observance of the principles of the Olympic Charter: O Sport, you are Justice, Honour and Joy. You are Peace! 
The next CIS Games will be held in Azerbaijan in 2025.

anna kasper
belta
belta
belta

DIRECT SPEECH
CIS Secretary General Sergei Lebedev,
“These Games will go down in the history of the Commonwealth as a large-scale and significant sporting event. The organisers did their best to hold the competition at a high level. Comprehensively reveal the cordiality, kindliness and hospitality of the Belarusian people. The guests will remember the atmosphere of friendship, an unusual sporting celebration and sincerity of human communication. We all have reason to say today that life itself confirms the words of Aleksandr Lukashenko that the world of sports should unite and give joy. Despite any sanctions barriers, sport, peace and friendship reigned in Belarus for ten days. The fact that not only our friends from the Commonwealth, but also athletes from 13 far abroad countries came to participate in the 2nd CIS Games clearly and convincingly shows that there are no and cannot be borders between states in sports. There is no and should not be politics and discrimination. The past large-scale competitions have once again demonstrated that in real sport there is only a fair fight, equality and a truly festive mood.”

“We managed to make the main thing — to create a holiday atmosphere. It turned out to prove that there are still people and countries that remember the traditions of the Olympic sport, which is not an arena for political struggle, which unites. We hear gratitude from the members of the delegations, from the athletes, they feel a friendly attitude and an atmosphere of hospitality. Now it is very important to preserve the purpose of sport, to preserve the spirit of the Olympic movement, which many people have simply forgotten about. The 2nd CIS Games not only glorified our Belarusian sport, but most importantly, they showed that sport can be fair. Sports can be free from politics. Sport can unite, and in no case should it be used to separate. This is a betrayal of the sport.”

 By Sergei Kanashits