Belarusian NOC holds send-off ceremony for Children of Asia Games squad

The Belarusian team includes 68 young athletes under 16 in eight sports: ice hockey, snowboarding, ski jumping, cross-country, short track, figure skating, speed skating and Alpine skiing. Among the athletes are champions and prize-winners of Belarus, record holders in sports in their age categories. Taking into account the coaching, medical and administrative staff, the Belarusian delegation includes more than 90 people. President of the NOC of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko addressed the participants of the ceremony.

"Our team will make a debut in this prestigious international event which will feature the strongest athletes from the Russian Federation and other Asian countries," the head of the NOC said. “You have the opportunity to gain valuable competitive experience, make new friends and see new places. But most importantly you will have a chance to show the world what you have learned so far and what your coaches and parents have put into you. I would like to emphasize that you will be able to perform under the national flag. Our state invests a lot of effort in children's and youth sports, so we expect good results from you. I wish you to achieve all the goals that you have set for yourself, and remind you that fortune smiles only on those who want to succeed. So everything depends on you. Please remembers that not only your families and friends but also the whole country will be rooting for you. Good luck!".

The 2nd Winter International Sports Games “Children of Asia” will run from 23 February to 5 March 2023 in Kemerovo, Novokuznetsk, Mezhdurechensk and Tashtagolsky Municipal District of Russia. It is expected that the Games will feature 865 young athletes from 13 Asian countries. The program will feature 57 medal events in ten sports.