Minsk-2019: What are European Games?
The 2nd European Games will be held in Minsk on June 21-30. For this occasion, Belarus allows visa-free entry for the citizens of 74 countries. So we think it's a valid reason to come here, even if you're not that into sports. Here is all you need to know.
What is the European Games?
The European Games is international sports competitions among European athletes. They are held every four years under the direction of the European Olympic Committees. Competitions in 8 sports will qualify for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, while boxing and judo competitions will be held in the rank of European Championships.
Who is competing?
About 4,000 athletes from 50 European countries in 15 sports, from aerobics and badminton to karate and table tennis. The schedule can be found here. The athletes will compete in badminton, basketball, boxing, wrestling, cycling (track & road), gymnastics acrobatic, gymnastics aerobic, artistic, rhythmic and trampoline gymnastics, canoe, judo, karate, athletics, table tennis, beach soccer, sambo, archery, shooting rifle & pistol, shooting shotgun.
Do I need a visa to enter Belarus for the Games?
No! Visa-free entry for foreign fans will be valid from June 10 to July 10, 2019. You can enter by any means of transport, you just need a valid passport and an original or electronic ticket to the European Games.
These rules apply to the citizens of 74 countries, the list is here. In general, now foreigners can come to Belarus without a visa for 30 days, but only if they enter the country through the National Airport Minsk. All the details about how to come to Belarus without a visa are here.
Where the fan zones will be?
There will be three fan zones in Minsk: near the Palace of Sports, Minsk-Arena and Čyžoŭka Arena. Also, there'll be fan zones in all regional centers, in Babrujsk and in Maladziečna. The main one is the area near the Palace of Sports: it will be opened on June 19. That day the fan zone will work from 7 p.m. till 12 p.m., and from 10 a.m. till 12 p.m. on other days. On the days of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies (June 21 and 30), the fan zone will be open till 4 a.m.
The fan zones by Minsk Arena and Čyžoŭka Arena will be opened on June 21 and will work from 10 a.m. till 11 p.m. (on the days of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies till 1 a.m.).
There will be a screen for broadcasting competitions, places where you can have a snack or buy souvenirs and children playgrounds at every fan zone. The national days of the countries participating in the Games with their music and national cuisines will be held every day near the Palace of Sports.
Moreover, the festival zone will be located at Dreamland Park.
What else will be going on in the city?
Besides the sports program, you may also enjoy a cultural one: it will begin on May 1. There'll be concerts, exhibitions, film screenings, festivals, theatre, and street performances. The information about all the events will appear on the website of the Games and in the Minsk 2019 mobile app (iOS, Android).
Useful links
The official website of the European Games
The official mobile app: iOS, Android
Cover photo by palasatka
