Belarus’ NOC president: Young athletes lay foundation for world-class sports

With your successful performance at the 1st Winter International Sports Games Children of Primorye you lay the foundation for the world-class sports in our country, President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko said at a ceremony to honor winners and medalists of the Games on 27 March.

The event at the Hall of Olympic Glory of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus got together young athletes, who took part in 1st Winter International Sports Games Children of Primorye in February 2024, their coaches as well as the country’s sport officials.

“Dear children! It is at this time when you, with your successful performance, lay the foundation for the world-class sports in our country. You have got the taste of victories, realized that only through hard work you can achieve high results and become a champion. You are just making the first steps in the big sport and, having achieved the right to compete in international competitions, I am sure you are pleased to hear the anthem of Belarus played in honor of your victory. At the Children of Primorye Games, which featured the teams from Russia, China, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and other countries, you proved that you are among the best in your sport,” Viktor Lukashenko said.

The head of the NOC of Belarus also emphasized the special role of coaches, doctors, masseurs and team administrators in the success of young athletes.



“Amid high competition, in conditions of tough acclimatization, you have shown a worthy result. Almost all of our young athletes won medals. Such results are important for you, our sport and our country. I wish you many more podiums in your career at various international tournaments,” Belarusian Sports and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk said.

The athletes and coaches received money prizes, memorable gifts from the NOC of Belarus, as well as letters of commendation and gratitude from the Sports and Tourism Ministry. Matvei Yermashov, the captain of the ice hockey team, spoke on behalf of the young athletes and thanked for all the provided support and attention:

“It was great to show what we are capable of at the Games in Primorye. I am sure that each of us did a lot to perform well and show our best. On behalf on the team, we thank the NOC of Belarus, the Sports and Tourism Ministry and the federation for this unique opportunity to perform at this level. Many thanks to our coaches, parents and fans for their support.

For reference

Team Belarus won 13 (5 gold, 4 silver and 4 bronze) medals at the Children of Primorye Games.
Belarus clinched three medals in short track speed skating: gold in 3000m mixed relay (Artsyom Shedzko), silver in 3000m mixed relay (Sofia Sporish), bronze in 500m individual (Sofia Sporish).
Belarus secured six medals in cross country skiing: gold in 5km freestyle (Aliaksandra Parfionava), silver in 5km (Siarhei Parfionau), silver in 2.5km (Lyudmila Torubarova), silver in mixed relay (Aliaksandra Parfionava, Lyudmila Torubarova, Aliaskei Shulgat and Siarhei Parfionau), bronze in 7.5km freestyle (Siarhei Parfionau) and bronze in 5km freestyle (Yelizaveta Pugacheva).
Valeria Yezhova scored 193.76 points to win gold in figure skating. Bronze went to Yelizaveta Kostyuk (152.56). Vasil Barakhouski clinched gold in the men’s event with 195.60 points.
The Belarusian ice hockey team secured the Children of Primorye Games champion title. The team posted six wins including three in qualifying and whitewashed the hosting Admiral 4-0 in the final.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus

Photos by the NOC of Belarus