Golovchenko: Belarusian athletes proved hard work and self-belief bring results

Belarus’ NOC President Viktor Lukashenko greeted the audience saying athletes have long been asking for some kind of an end-of-year event where they can all get together.

“We have all come here for the first time in years to celebrate our sporting achievements and congratulate the best among us in style, with aplomb, and most importantly, surrounded by our friends and people who are close to sport and love it with all their hearts. We would like this initiative to continue and become a nice tradition,” he said.

As Viktor Lukashenko pointed out, Belarusian athletes have performed well at world and European championships, international tournaments in Russia and other countries in 2024. Children of Asia and Children of Primorye games demonstrated that we have a crop of talented, promising young athletes who are bound to prove themselves in the future. The Paris Olympics were the biggest sporting event of 2024, of course.

“Our Olympic winners, we are proud of every one of you. Your medals are not only the fruits of your own talent and hard work, but the effort of those who gave their all to help you achieve that success: coaches, doctors, everyone you think of as your assistants,” the NOC President added. "Great wins and memorable achievements in Belarusian sports would certainly not be possible without a constant and all-encompassing support from our government, our sponsors and partners. Olympic and Paralympic medals, wins at biggest global and European competitions symbolise our steadfast character, courage, drive for perfection, our ability to unite and go forward together. Let those medals be reminders to everyone that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself and work towards your goal.”
Belarus’ Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko addressed the athletes next. After congratulating everyone, he pointed out that the government supports the sporting development in Belarus in a very substantial way.

“Our dear athletes, you have proven that hard work and self-belief bring great results. You are examples for lots of people who want to achieve their goals and dreams. Your strong will and ability to overcome obstacles inspire us all. We expect great victories from you, despite all the political difficulties. And we will do everything to hear our anthem sounding proudly at all international competitions,” the PM promised.