Pavel Kaputsky: Minsk hosted the European Championships in speed skating this weekend for the first time. Since the time of Igor Zhelezovsky and Angelica Katyuga Belarus had no bright athletes in this sport. This is explained not by unique talent of Zhelezovsky, everything is much simpler: the country had no conditions for training for a long time. But the complex Minsk-Arena has a skating rink, which is considered to be one of the best at the continent.
Sergei Minin, the head coach of the national team of Belarus: "We should say that for us, for our country and skating, this is a very big step forward. This is a great boost for us. The International Federation enjoyed our stadium."
Sven Kramer, three-time Olympic champion, the Netherlands: "The stadium was packed. The audience was very friendly and supported the athletes. And what is most important: the ice is in good condition."
Only three Belarusian skaters met the standards for participation in the European Championship. This is now our level. Skating in Belarus is too young and not ready to give the ripe fruit.
But Belarus has promising youth, who won prizes at international competitions.
Vincent, fan from the Netherlands: "We arrived a few days ago from Amsterdam. We have a group of ten people who are actively attend the international competitions around the world. We fly home on Thursday. We will have time to explore the city."
Minsk-Arena passed all the exams. And now it is waiting for the next session.
