By Nikolay Stulo: As stated by the President at a large meeting on the results of the season, winter sports in Belarus must be preserved.
Belarus’ unstable climate and occasional failures of the athletes could suggest winter sports should be abandoned, but Alexander Lukashenko is convinced that diligence, coupled with new technologies, can breathe a second life into both ski disciplines and skating.
The President once again reminded that there will be sufficient financing for the sports on condition there are decent results. Also, the President demanded a 10-15 years development strategy to be developed for every winter sport in Belarus.
The issue of improving the material and technical base is not just an empty promise, Alexander Lukashenko assured. Specific instructions have already been given to produce skis, boots, ice machines, and other necessary equipment in Belarus. Ski tracks will appear in each area by summer. The equipment that cannot be produced domestically needs to be bought – for example, Belarus bought a simulator for the cross-country skiing.
Also, a counter-doping campaign is in the focus of the modern sports. Belarus is paying great attention to it as well. The campaign is solid. However, it is increasingly becoming politicized. Now, a huge scandal is unfolding in the world biathlon. It is gratifying that Belarus’ athletes have not been involved in these matters for a long time.
