MINSK, 21 September (BelTA) – Belarusian sport has made a significant contribution to the development of the Olympic movement over the past 30 years, Victoryia Okulevich, the head of the information department – press secretary of the Belarusian NOC, told BelTA.
The NOC of Belarus celebrates the 30th anniversary of its recognition by the International Olympic Committee. On this day, 30 years ago, the 101st session of the International Olympic Committee began its work in Monaco, at which the NOC of Belarus became a full member of the world Olympic family. On 21 September 1993, Belarus received the right to compete at the Games. The 1990s were a difficult time for Belarus. The newly-established NOC of Belarus had a lot of work to do by the Monte Carlo session to join the international Olympic family.
“Over the past 30 years, Belarusian sport has made a significant contribution to the development of the Olympic movement,” Victoryia Okulevich said.
Belarus made its debut at the Olympic Games as an independent team in 1994. This historic event took place at the Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. Then Team Belaris won two silver medals. Igor Zhelezovsky won silver in speed skating, and Svetlana Paramygina – in biathlon. The first Olympic gold medal in the history of independent Belarus was won by Ekaterina Karsten (Khodotovich) in Atlanta on 28 July 1996.
“During the sovereign period, Belarusian athletes has earned 105 Olympic medals, including 21 gold medals. The recent years have been challenging for the international Olympic movement but the NOC of Belarus, guided primarily by the Olympic Charter, continues to follow its basic principles. We support the Olympic ideals and values and hope for a speedy resolution of the situation and the removal of all restrictions on Belarusian athletes at international competitions,” Victoriya Okulevich emphasized.
