Maksim Malakhovsky
GRODNO, 20 July (BelTA) – The preparations for the 2nd CIS Games are on the home stretch in Grodno, Maksim Malakhovsky, the head of the Sport and Tourism Department of the Grodno Oblast Executive Committee, told reporters in Grodno, BelTA has learned.
“Literally two weeks are left before we welcome first guests, first sports delegations. We expect 206 people for the weightlifting program. These are athletes, coaches, doctors, massage therapists and international referees. The field hockey competitions will feature five women’s teams and six men’s teams. The total number of field hockey participants is about 150,” Maksim Malakhovsky noted.
Speaking about the readiness of sports facilities for the Games, Maksim Malakhovsky noted that the city is putting finishing touches. “We are on the home stretch. We just need to fine-tune some things, to paint visual symbols. The city is already taking on festive sporty looks. We will make use of all kinds of billboards and LED screens during the Games and put a life-size figure of the Lynx, the mascot of the 2nd CIS Games, at the entrance to the city,” he said.
The catering and accommodation facilities are fully ready. “We will also provide transport. A traffic schedule has been put together. Minibuses will shuttle from the place of residence to the sports venue at intervals of 30-40 minutes during a day,” he added.
The city is planning to arrange fan zones with the broadcast of competitions and opening and closing ceremonies. “Grodno will organize sightseeing tours, offer special tourist routes not only for team members but also for visitors. For example, guests of our city will be able to attend the Sea Fest on the Augustow Canal featuring the swamp football tournament and the Anything That Floats fun race,” Maksim Malakhovsky said.
