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Belarusian athletes leave for Youth Olympic Games in Singapore

A farewell ceremony for Belarus' Youth Olympics team took place at the sports ministry's headquarters in Minsk on August 10, BelaPAN reports.

Weightlifter Alyaksandr Venskel, 17, was named the captain of the team, which will participate in the Youth Olympic Games in Singapore between August 14 and 26.

The athlete read out the Olympic Oath, while the team heard addresses from Sports Minister Aleh Kachan, as well as representatives of the National Olympic Committee and veteran athletes.

"Thirty athletes were originally expected to represent Belarus at the First Youth Olympics in Singapore. We have beaten the expectation and are sending 50 young athletes who have proved their readiness to represent our sport, our country to Singapore. You will take part in competitions in 22 out of the 26 sports in the program of the Youth Olympics," Mr. Kachan said.

Pictures:
1 - Mr. Kachan addresses the junior athletes;
2,3 - Mr. Venskel reads out the Olympic Oath;
5 - 1960 Olympic champion Syarhey Makaranka speaks to the youths.