Tourism

Minsk 2019 is expecting to attract 70,000 tourists to Belarus for the second European Games.

Visitors to the Minsk 2019 European Games can enjoy a visa-free period from June 10 till July 10 with their ticket.

This applies through any border checkpoint of Belarus and it is hoped it will encourage greater tourism in the country.

Citizens of 98 countries can stay in Belarus without a visa during the indicated period, including arriving and departure days.

"Thanks to the European Games, we have a unique chance to show Belarus, tell its interesting history to the whole Europe," Minsk 2019 chief executive Anatoly Kotov said in December 2018.

"At least 50 European countries will follow the event.

"We plan to broadcast the Games in 160 countries.

"This will help attract tourists to Belarus for many years to come.

"As a rule, following any mass events, the number of foreigners eager to see the country increases significantly."

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has compared the European Games to the "positive impact" the 2018 FIFA World Cup has had on Russia and believes the country will also benefit from being a host.

Vladislav Shchepov, chairperson of the House of Representatives' Standing Commission on Economic Policy, has also said the Games would have a positive impact on the tourism sector.

His view was backed by Valery Borodenya, a member of the House of Representatives’ Standing Commission on Budget and Finance, who claimed the event would have a similar impact to the 2014 Men’s World Ice Hockey Championships, which had a positive impact on visitors to the country.

Tourist Guide

Centrekurort

Centrekurort, the largest state operator in Belarus’ tourism market, is offering travel packages, sightseeing tours and accommodation and transfer services for people visiting Minsk for the 2019 European Games.

Both individual tourists and organised groups of fans can use its services, which includes the online portal VETLIVA.

Centrekurort is keen to point out that there is more to Belarus than just the European Games, describing the country as having its own unique and inimitable flavour.

VS Global Travel Company

VS Global Travel Company, whose website can be viewed here, is also offering a wide choice of tour and dates to meet the preferences of those looking to go on vacation in Belarus.

Belarus’ wealth of attractions and architecture can be enjoyed on numerous guided tours offered by private guides and tour operators.

Visitors to the Minsk 2019 European Games can enjoy a visa-free period from June 10 till July 10 with their ticket.

This applies through any border checkpoint of Belarus.

Citizens of 98 countries can stay in Belarus without a visa during the indicated period, including arriving and departure days.

A visa-free traveller is required to have:

• A ticket for a sport event or the Opening or Closing Ceremony
• A valid passport
• Medical insurance, which can be purchased on site, valid for the period of the visit
• At least BYN50 (£18/$23/€20) per day of stay

The visa system will be similar to the one used in Belarus during the 2014 Men's World Ice Hockey Championships.

A significant number of overseas sports fans are expected to attend Minsk 2019 via Russia.

Belarus and Russia recently signed an intergovernmental agreement under which the latter will provide visa-free travel in its territory for foreign nationals arriving for the European Games.

The two countries took into account the experience of cooperation gained during the FIFA World Cup in Russia as they prepared the agreement on mutual visa recognition.

By car

Car hire is available in the arrivals hall of Minsk National Airport, which is approximately 30 kilometres outside the city centre. 

A taxi journey into the city centre costs around €25 (£22/$28). 

Belarus can be travelled to by car from Europe and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

There are numerous Belarus border crossings and a large road network running across the country.

An international licence is needed to drive in Belarus.

Traffic runs on the right side of the road and the motorway speed limit is 110 kilometres per hour.

Road signs are written in Cyrillic script, although those at major junctions are also written in Latin alphabet.

Not many foreign travel insurance policies are accepted in Belarus.

Insurance can be bought at the border with charges starting at €5 (£4.40/$5.70) for 15 days.

Since August 1, 2013, Belarus has had an electronic toll collection system, known as BelToll, for the passage along motorways.

By train

Belarus has excellent international rail links. 

A train can be taken to Minsk from almost every major city in Europe and the CIS.

The capital city's new central railway station is one of the biggest in Europe. 

It is open 24 hours a day and offers a wide range of facilities, including restaurants, bars, shops, a pharmacy, lockers and a games room.

By plane

Most travellers to Belarus arrive by plane. 

Minsk National Airport has a lot of facilities including banks, restaurants and shops.

The national airline of Belarus is Belavia.

It operates daily flights to many destinations in Europe and around the world, including Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Astana, Barcelona, Berlin, Kyiv, London, Moscow, Paris, Riga, Rome, Tbilisi, Tel Aviv, Vienna, Warsaw etc.

Among the major airlines that fly to Minsk are Russia's Aeroflot, Germany's Lufthansa, Аustrian Airlines, Polish Airlines, Latvia's airBaltic, the United Arab Emirates' Etihad Airways and, since May 2015, Air China.

Belarus

Belarus’ official name is the Republic of Belarus and has a total area of 207,600 kilometres squared.

The country’s two official languages are Belarusian and Russian and the official currency is Belarusian Rouble (BYN).

Belarus has a population of 9.5 million people with 78 per cent of those living in cities.

Minsk has a population of 1.98 million people, while Gomel has 536,000, Mogilev has 381,000, Vitebsk has 378,000, Grodno has 371,000 and Brest has 348,000.

According to the 2009 Census, people of 140 nationalities live in Belarus.

Belarusians make up 83.7 per cent of the ethnic structure of Belarus with Russians accounting for 8.3 per cent, Polish for 3.1 per cent and Ukrainians for 1.7 per cent.

Other nationalities account for the remaining 3.2 per cent.

Nature

Belarus is a land of pristine nature with natural habitats and ecosystems occupying 55 per cent of the Belarusian territory.

There are more then 20,000 rivers and 10,000 lakes in Belarus.

Forty-two per cent of the country’s territory is covered by forest, while six per cent of the land is swamps and water bodies – Belarusian bog complexes are called the “lungs of Europe” - and 8.7 per cent is occupied by national parks and reserves.

Bison, the heaviest and largest terrestrial mammal in Europe, lives in Belarus.

Economy

Interesting facts

• The largest dump truck in the world is produced in Belarus with a capacity of 450 tonnes.
• State-owned fertiliser group Belaruskali accounts for 16 per cent of the world’s production of potash, an alkaline potassium compound.
• Every 10^th wheel tractor in the world is a Belarus tractor
• Belarus is among the world’s 15 leading exporters of dairy products
• Belarus ranks third in the world in terms of gross flax fibre collection
• Online game World of Tanks was developed by Game Stream, which is located in Minsk and is one of the main development centres of Belarusian company Wargaming

Minsk

Despite having a "dreary" reputation, Minsk is widely considered as being a progressive, modern and clean city.

Once completely re-modelled to the tastes of former Soviet Union leader Joseph Stalin, it is now home to fashionable cafes, magnificent restaurants and crowded nightclubs, as well as sushi bars and art galleries.

It was re-built from the ruins after the Great Patriotic War - a term used in Russia and other former republics of the Soviet Union to describe the conflict fought during the period from June 22, 1941 to May 9, 1945 - but this did not weaken its power and influence.

Among the main sights in Minsk is the Holy Spirit Cathedral, which was built in 1642 and is the central cathedral of the Belarusian Orthodox Church.

Its architecture is an example of the Baroque, a highly ornate and often extravagant style.

The Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul and the Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary also attract plenty of interest.

Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul 

The construction of the Cathedral of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul began in 1611 on the left bank of Nemiga River and was completed by 1613.

In the same year, the male orthodox monastery started working and an orthodox school was opened in 1617.

After the Second Partition of Poland, the monastery was dissolved.

In 1795, the renovated church became Minsk Cathedral named after the Russian Empress Catherine the Great.

The Cathedral underwent reconstruction in 1870 and 1871.

After the Second World War, the building was divided into sections and four floors, and adapted for housing.

It was later used as an archive.

In 1991, the building was returned to the church.

Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary

On the west side of Freedom Square, there is the church in the style of Vilnius Baroque that is adorned with two towers.

It is the former main building of the Jesuit College that is now the Cathedral of Saint Virgin Mary.

Its construction began in 1700.

A decade later, the cathedral was already consecrated, and by 1749 the grounds of the Jesuit College had fully taken shape.

In the years that passed, it has seen a great deal, including the re-design of the second half of the 19th century when the belfry was turned into a fire tower, and the reconstruction of the mid-20th century when the cathedral was rebuilt as a sports society and a dwelling house was constructed on the site of the former Jesuit College.

In 1993, the building was given back to the Roman Catholics and now holds religious services.

Independence Avenue

The main street of Minsk is Independence Avenue, where visitors can enjoy "all the splendour and pompousness of the Soviet monumental classicism or the Stalinist Empire style".

This is a single ensemble of residential and administrative buildings of ideal proportions and numerous decorative components, which became the face of Minsk restored after the war.

Independence Avenue runs from the southwest to the northeast and includes Independence Square, October Square, Victory Square, Yakub Kolas Square and Kalinin Square.

Every 2 to 2.5 kilometres, it runs into a square with each being smaller than the previous one.

Independence Square

Independence Square is one of the main administrative hubs of Belarus.

It is there that Government House, home to the Council of Ministers and the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus, can be found.

Construction of Government House started in the 1930s and it was the first building to emerge in the future Independence Square.  

Previously called Lenin Square, Independence Square still has a monument dedicated to Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin in front of Government House.

It was given its new name in 1991, following the acquisition of sovereignty by Belarus.

To the right of Government House, there are the surviving buildings of the early 20th century, including the Church of Saints Simon and Helena.

Other attractions

Visitors to Minsk are also likely to find pleasure in checking out the National Library of Belarus and Troitskoye Predmestie, which translates as Trinity Suburb and is an old picturesque part of the city with neatly coloured 19th-century houses located on the bank of the Svisloch River.

In the vicinity of Trinity Suburb, there is a monument erected on what is known as the Island of Tears.

An icon on a foundation stone located next to a bridge marks the birth of the monument.

It belongs to the chapel where the names of all Belarusian soldiers who died in Afghanistan are carved on the walls.

Tickets for the Minsk 2019 European Games went on sale on December 1, 2018.

They are available to buy from all countries on the website of the event's official ticket operator Tiketpro.

Tickets went on sale in Russia on December 15, through the official ticket agent Ponominalu.

Around 381,000 tickets were made available initially, but this could be increased to 535,000 depending on demand.

The cheapest ticket will be priced at BYN5 (£1.77/$2.32/€2.03) for a number of sports, while the most expensive costs BYN50 (£18/$23/€20)

Tickets for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies are also available, with the additional promise that spectators at these events will become participants in an addition element that will not be shown on television.

The cheapest option for the Opening Ceremony is priced at BYN150 (£53/$70/€61).

The Closing Ceremony is slightly less expensive at BYN70 (£25/$32/€28).

Tickets went on sale in Ticketpro offices on December 19.

Offline sales begun at Ticketpro’s central office at the Prospekt Masherova building in Minsk. 

The first buyer of a paper ticket was Minsk 2019 mascot Lesik, the baby fox.

"One of the main things in the preparations of the ticket program of the second European Games is protection against forgery," Maksim Koshkalda, head of the marketing and advertising department at the Minsk European Games Organising Committee, said.

"Every ticket, both electronic and paper, will be protected by a unique barcode.

"Additional security elements will be used in the manufacture of paper versions - 3D-hologram, the application of special UV-ink and others."

More Minsk 2019 videos

The final countdown to the second European Games in Minsk will be signalled by a Torch Relay known as the ‘"Flame of Peace". The lighting ceremony will be held on May 3 in Rome, the host city of the headquarters of the European Olympic Committees.

Appropriately, this will take place at the Ara Pacis, an altar of peace.

The flame will also visit Slovenia, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary and Poland before arriving in Belarus. A 50-day odyssey around the nation will end with the arrival of the flame at the Opening Ceremony in Minsk on June 21.

A flame with Olympic pedigree has burned in Belarus before. Back in 1980 when Moscow hosted the Olympic Games, Minsk was among the cities chosen to stage group matches in the football tournament.

When the flame arrived in Moscow before the Olympic Opening Ceremony, messengers from the other hosting cities including Minsk were waiting to receive it. They were given a ceremonial escort to the the railway station in Moscow. The flame was taken by special train to Minsk. It burned in a special cauldron built for the Games.

Nor is this the first time that a flame Relay will begin in the eternal city of Rome. Back in 1956, the flame for the Olympic Winter Games of Cortina d’Ampezzo was kindled at the capital. Its departure was accompanied by a fanfare, a symbolic release of doves and a blessing from the Vicar General. 

Olympic discus champion Adolfo Consolini began the Relay by running across the Piazza Campidoglio before an extended Relay took the flame to the mountains.

The Olympic flame is now so well established that organisers of Regional Games have taken great trouble to ensure that any Torch Relays are distinct and original.

In 1951, organisers of the first Asian Games enthusiastically adopted a flame as their symbol.

In the same year Greek IOC member Ioannis Ketseas accompanied a flame lit on the Acropolis to the inaugural Pan American Games in Buenos Aires. Some in the Olympic Movement threw up their hands in horror. Ketseas had to explain himself at the IOC Session in Vienna. At the time, they were very concerned about protecting the symbolism of the Olympic Movement.

In their bulletin, the IOC included a statement. "It is to be desired that in the future, to preserve the prestige of the Olympic Games, that the right to carry it be reserved solely and unconditionally for the celebration of the Olympic Games".

This was interpreted by regional Games as a ban on Torch Relays but within a few years, the position had softened.

By 1958 the Japanese welcomed an Asian Games flame to Tokyo. This had been kindled in the preceding host city of Manila. Eventually organisers decided that the Asian Games flame should begin from Delhi in tribute to the first host city.

Much of what will happen on the European Games Torch Relay this summer is still shrouded in secrecy, though Minsk 2019 ceremonies chief Sergei Khomich has revealed that many of those chosen to carry the flame will do so in familiar surroundings.

"We tried to incorporate the native land of famous Torchbearers into the itinerary so that they will have an opportunity to visit the places where they were born and meet their compatriots’," he said.

These are still relatively new Games, and so host cities have a great opportunity to innovate. Four years ago, organisers of Baku took advantage of a blank canvas and came up with an original approach to their Relay.

This began with an evening ceremony at the 18th century Temple of Fire at Ateshgah.

In the words of the organisers the flame was "captured from the earth".

President Ilham Aliev himself dipped the ceremonial Torch into a burning kiln within the temple to begin the journey.

The Torch was then carried away into the night by Rafiga Shabanova, a distinguished local sportswoman. The first of 1,000 Torchbearers, she won Olympic handball gold at the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

It journeyed for 47 days by land, by runner and horseback, across water, by helicopter, funicular railway and abseilers. It also travelled on the Baku metro.

Then the "first flame" of the European Games arrived at the stadium itself. It was carried by Paralympic judo champion Ilham Zakiyev, accompanied by Said Guliyev, taekwondo gold medallist at the 2014 Youth Olympics.

Unusually it made its appearance at the start of the Opening Ceremony and the reason was soon clear.

On a stage built to represent the volcanic landscapes of Azerbaijan as "the land of fire", Guliev moved a stone to reveal a pit in the earth. As the flame was lit underground, and his Torch was extinguished, a trail of underground lava across the stage was revealed. This "new energy under the ground" was to power the rest of the ceremony.

Finally as the evening came to a close, two performers representing Leili and Majnun, star crossed lovers in folklore, reappeared on stage and discovered a burning rock. Their coming together was an expression of "humankind's burning desire to connect".

As a black mirror disc rose above the stadium, the couple threw the burning rock towards it.

As the disc ignited, it represented the cosmic coming together of earth, sun and moon in a "Caspian eclipse".

It was an original and spectacular cauldron which was intended as a ‘symbol of unity and truce.’

It also set down a challenge for Minsk to emulate with their flame this summer.

Back to Flame of Peace

The Minsk European Games Organising Committee (MEGOC) unveiled its "Bright Team" project, which has the aim of engaging the public with the event, in August 2018.

In particular, the scheme has the goal of involving more people in the 15 sports on the programme.

Bright Team began its work with a beach soccer tournament in the Belarus capital.

A MEGOC Bright Team side made up of applicants for volunteer roles were among teams to take part at the National Beach Soccer Stadium, which has been specially built inside two months for the Games.

Bright Team has taken its name from the official Minsk 2019 motto "Bright Year, Bright You".

This in turn has been based on the letters BY, the first two letters, phonetically, that make up the word Belarus and also the internet country code domain for the nation.

"Bright Team" events have also been held in other sports, including judo and 3x3 basketball.

The judo event saw participants put through their paces by Belarus judoka Marina Slutskaya, a former European champion.

Minsk 2019 chief executive Anatoly Kotov and marketing and advertising head Maksim Koshkalda were among those to take part.

They were joined by stars including blogger and television presenter Eugene Perlin, blogger Anna Bond and singers Anna Sharkunova and Dyadya Vanya.

Miss Belarus Maria Vasilevich was another to take to the tatami.

In September 2018, a Belarus media personalities side won a 3x3 basketball tournament held as part of the "Bright Team" initiative.

Eight teams took part in all at the Palova Arena, which will host 3x3 basketball during Minsk 2019.

Winning side Stolichnue beat Silver Screen, the official media partner of Minsk 2019, 9-8 in the final after knocking out a MEGOC outfit in the last four.

Minsk 2019 has received more than 12,000 applications from 53 countries for volunteer roles. 

Following the interview stage and the creation of personal accounts on the dedicated web portal, all volunteers have to pass a language proficiency test and online training.

Uniform design

The uniform of the Minsk 2019 European Games volunteers has been designed by Yulia Latushkina and produced by Solo-Pinsk company.

Samples were presented during a photo shoot in Moscow in November 2018.

The photo shoot was held by People’s Artist of Russia Edgard Zapashnye, who is a Star Ambassador of Minsk 2019 along with his brother Askold Zapashnye.

Zapashnye described the uniform, which will also be worn by participants of the "Flame of Peace" Torch Relay, as very convenient, all-weather and high quality.

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Special language training

Minsk 2019 volunteers will undergo special language training in preparation for the event.

The chief executive of the European Games Organising Committee George Katulin has signed a deal with Eduard Tselyuk, the head of the Educational Technology Centre School of Foreign Languages.

The school employs more than 200 teachers and will give volunteers special courses.

They will develop a test programme to assess the foreign language skills of those wanting to become volunteers.

They will also provide glossaries for all kinds of sporting vocabulary.

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Functional areas

Those interested in applying to become volunteers for the 2019 European Games in Minsk can choose a functional area in which they are most comfortable and that will help them to reach their full potential.

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Accreditation

Accreditation volunteers will register event participants and issue personal accreditation badges indicating the corresponding period of validity and access rights at Games time depending on their status.

These volunteers work in close cooperation with all Games client groups, ranging from workforce to athletes.

Accreditation volunteers will be starting their work earlier than those in most other functional areas.

They need to work hard to ensure a positive image of the Games and satisfaction of all participants.

Despite this functional are being one of the most demanding ones, it will help volunteers to increase their resistance to stress, find ways out of the most challenging situations and enhance their communication skills.

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Hospitality

If a volunteer chooses hospitality, then their main task at Games time will be to ensure impeccable service level and positive feedback from the guests attending an event, so the organisers can entertain them and make a lasting impression. 

The volunteers will be involved both pre-Games and at Games time. 

They will also provide several services to the guests of an event, including meeting and escorting, information support, coordination and provision of client services. 

It will give them an opportunity to develop their organisational skills, as well as improve their knowledge of foreign languages.

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Arrivals and departures

Arrivals and departures volunteers will meet guests at the airport, work at the front desk, help with baggage reclaim and escort the guests from the gates to transport in the form of shuttle buses. 

They need to be prepared to work with large delegations and handle baggage and migration card issues. 

Guests' first impressions and memories of the 2019 European Games depend on them.

Volunteers will learn to easily navigate Minsk National Airport and familiarise themselves with the basics of customs. 

They will also have an ideal chance to enhance their communication skills.

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National Olympic Committee assistant

National Olympic Committee (NOC) Assistants will ensure the 50 European NOCs are supported during their stay throughout the Minsk 2019 European Games. 

They will act as a main facilitator between the Minsk European Games Organising Committee and the NOCs, providing administrative and language support when required and helping delegations by finding out information, answering questions and solving problems. 

NOC Assistants will also help delegations with checking-in and checking-out of the Athletes' Village, transferring athletes to the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and performing other duties as requested by the NOCs. 

This is one of the most engaging functional areas that will give volunteers an opportunity to regularly practise foreign languages and learn to find their way in the most challenging situations.

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Media

These volunteers will help journalists and photographers at media centres in venues and media stands as well as at camera points, press conferences and mixed zones. 

They will meet media representatives and provide information support, distribute tickets and additional access devices, and offer support in working areas. 

Media volunteers must promptly settle any issues and ensure that international media representatives have access to all necessary services.

They will have the chance to work with some of the best journalists and photographers from around the world and will gain a number of useful skills, ranging from results management to reportage photography.

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City information

City information volunteers will be the ambassadors of the city of Minsk at Games time. 

Volunteers at information points around the Belarusian capital will warmly welcome guests and participants and provide them with guidance and information. 

They will contribute towards establishing a hospitable and comfortable environment in Minsk, and need to be familiar with the infrastructure, history, culture and places of interest in the city. 

As well as learning more about all of this, volunteers will also be given knowledge on the traditions and culture of foreign guests.

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Doping control

Doping control volunteers will act as chaperones, accompanying athletes to planned, unplanned and target testing and also taking part in crucial testing procedures.

They must follow the doping control procedures thoroughly and fill in all the relevant documents.

These procedures are always under scrutiny and this is why volunteers, who will have access to confidential information, should be vigilant and honest at all times. 

Volunteers in this functional area have an excellent opportunity to see the competition from an athlete's perspective, and to talk to leading athletes as they will be the first people to greet the medal winners. 

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Catering

Catering volunteers will help arrange smooth operation of catering facilities, monitor the availability of food and beverages, collect free meal vouchers, check the readiness of dining halls and perform other jobs.

They will be directly involved in delivering the catering strategy. 

Volunteers will visit Games venues and see how catering services are arranged for various client groups at Games time.

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Communications

Communications volunteers will help ensure full coverage of the Games around the world by preparing stories and publications. 

They will help the public relations team, take part in the filming of public relations videos, and monitor updates and publications on the official websites and social networks.

Volunteers in this functional area will have an excellent opportunity to improve their organisational skills. 

They will also be the first to read updates on the Games' official websites, be working at competition venues in direct contact with domestic and international media, and have the opportunity to work with famous athletes at press conferences.

With communications being a very dynamic area, volunteers should be prepared to work with large volumes of information and be given a lot of assignments.

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Language services

These volunteers will be translating, interpreting and providing information to participants and guests in their native language. 

Translators and interpreters could prove useful in many different places, including hotels, the airport and press centres.

This is an excellent opportunity for volunteers to improve their communication skills and translate and interpret in various situations.

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Technical support

Technical support volunteers will work with special equipment and assist with information and communication technologies.

By selecting this functional area, they have a chance to work with a team of information and communication technology experts.

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Venue management

The main task of the volunteers opting for this functional area is to assist the venue manager and the venue team in ensuring uninterrupted and efficient operations. 

They will help venue teams manage incidents, provide information support, coordinate venue operations, monitor compliance with the detailed event schedule and arrange communication services.

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Volunteers/workforce management

This functional area works to ensure flawless volunteer operations. 

A designated team will be arranging the registration of volunteers, providing services, keeping their spirits up and assisting in their training and preparation for the Games. 

Team members will have opportunity to improve their organisational skills and gain experience in the field of personnel management. 

They will take on the role of an assistant manager and see how the work of volunteers is organised.

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Transport

Transport volunteers will help the Minsk European Games Organising Committee to organise transport, help with the arrivals and departures of athletes, officials and guests from the participating countries, keep track of vehicle fleet load and work in load zones and parking lots. 

They need to know the transport system of Minsk and shuttle bus routes during Games time.

This is considered one of the most exciting areas in which to work and provides an excellent chance for volunteers to practise their foreign language skills. 

Some positions will be located at competition venues and the Athletes' Village, so they are very likely to meet famous athletes.

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Medical services

These volunteers will help doctors treat patients in need of medical help. 

Medical assistants will be selected from among volunteers to help medical staff work with foreigners.

This is an excellent opportunity to practise medical care skills at a sporting event. 

Volunteers will work at competition venues and observe the field of play.

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Accommodation 

Accommodation volunteers' main duty will be to help guests communicate and to facilitate efficient feedback to Minsk European Games Organising Committee. 

There always needs to be booklets at hotels, and guests will ask for advice and referral to persons in charge.

The experience will offer volunteers a valuable opportunity to learn how to manage check-in issues and teach them everything about hotel infrastructure.

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Ceremonies

Ceremonies volunteers will help people to navigate the rehearsal areas and will also assist the Minsk European Games Organising Committee staff in outfit dressing and other utility spaces, act as a background actor during rehearsals, and help resolve other routine matters. 

This is a great opportunity to partake in the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, both of which are due to be held at the Dinamo Stadium, on June 21 and 30 respectively, and will be broadcast worldwide.

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Protocol

Protocol volunteers help provide access control in VIP areas and stands. 

Their duties will include meeting high-ranking guests, ushering them to their seats and handing out booklets and souvenirs. 

They will also work at reception desks and distribute tickets and invitations to a number of events for VIP guests. 

Protocol is considered one of the most important functional areas. 

Volunteers will develop a firm grip on business etiquette as well as intercultural and interethnic communications. 

They will be working with dignitaries and will learn how to organise their visit and stay.

It is a great chance for them to practise their foreign language skills with different client groups.

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Sports volunteers

Sports volunteers have to be physically fit and proficient in a foreign language.

It is essential for them to know the rules of a particular sport. 

They will provide assistance to athletes, who they can learn from, and participants at the competition and event venues.

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Spectator services

The job of spectator services volunteers is to work with audiences and tend to the needs of spectators and athletes at the venues. 

They will provide information support, assist spectators in finding their seats at the stands, manage crowd flows and help resolve other matters if necessary. 

Volunteers will be welcoming spectators and fans from all around the world and helping ensure enjoyable visits to the venues. 

As they will be working with a large number of people, it is likely to help improve their communication skills.

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Registration

Registration to become a volunteer can be accessed here.

Ukraine was represented by 241 athletes at Baku 2015, winning eight gold, 14 silver and 24 bronze medals.

The country ranked eighth in the final standings.

Archer Viktor Ruban, a men's team gold medallist, served as Ukraine's flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, while Olga Maznichenko, a member of the silver medal-winning women's 3x3 basketball team, did so at the Closing Ceremony.

Fencing and artistic gymnastics both produced two gold medals for Ukraine and the nation also tasted victory in archery, judo, swimming and wrestling.

Artistic gymnast Oleg Verniaiev won the men’s vault and men’s individual all-around titles at Baku 2015 and went onto claim parallel bars gold and all-around silver at the following year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Sergey Bubka, President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukraine, is a member of the European Olympic Committees Coordination Commission for Minsk 2019.

Turkey was represented by 190 athletes at Baku 2015, winning six gold, four silver and 19 bronze medals.

The country ranked 14^th in the final standings.

Karateka Enes Erkan served as Turkey's flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony, while judoka Ebru Sahin, the silver medallist in the women's under-48 kilograms event, did so at the Closing Ceremony.

Three of Turkey’s gold medals were won in karate through Burak Uygur in the men’s kumite under-67kg, Erkan in the men’s kumite over-84kg and Serap Ozcelik in the women’s kumite under-50kg.

Wrestling provided a further two titles with the other one coming in volleyball.