Belarus’ NOC president: ‘Sports victories are a symbol of our resilience, courage and unity’

The year-end NOC awards celebrate outstanding achievements of athletes and coaches and exceptional services to the Olympic movement. The ceremony brought together champions and medalists of the Olympic Games, prominent athletes, members of the NOC and sports luminaries.

“For the first time in many years we gathered to celebrate this year's sporting achievements on a grand scale, in a beautiful festive atmosphere and in the circle of friends and to say thank you to the strongest. Today we have our crème de la crème here. There is no doubt that in the outgoing year Belarusian athletes proved their worth at the world and European championships, major competitions in the Russian Federation and not only.

The main event in 2024 was the Olympic Games in Paris. We are proud of each of our Olympians. Their awards are the result not only of talent, but also of a huge work of coaches, doctors, psychologists and all those who daily put their heart and helped them step by step on the path towards success. Thank you for defending our country’s honor in a very difficult situation in world sport.

Undoubtedly, big victories and achievements would not have been possible without the support of the state, our sponsors and partners. Olympic and Paralympic awards in Paris, medals at the world and European championships are a symbol of our resilience, courage, aspiration for perfection and ability to unite. Let these medals be a reminder that nothing is impossible when you believe in your strength and when you move towards your goal.

I would like to note that those of our athletes who did not climb the Olympic podium showed their best qualities: patriotism and love for their homeland, the will to win, and we are grateful to them for this. Some of them were unfairly excluded from the Games, deprived of even a chance to fulfill their dreams, and many of them were one step away from the coveted awards. I am sure that most of our talented athletes have a great future and the main successes are still ahead of them.

May this event be continued and become a kind and pleasant tradition in the future. I wish all athletes and their coaches new victories, health and success. May your life be filled with joy, happiness and new achievements. I take this opportunity to congratulate everyone on the coming New Year! May it bring unforgettable positive emotions, well-being, happiness and peace to every home!” Viktor Lukashenko said.