The solemn opening ceremony of the 2nd European Games took place at Dinamo Stadium of Minsk on June 21.

The general producer of the opening ceremony was Igor Krutoy and the director – Aleksandr Sechenov.

At the beginning the announcers told about the volunteers of the European Games presenting interesting statistics about them.

The opening ceremony was attended by ANOC President Gagik Tsarukyan, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and President of the European Olympic Committees Janez Kocijancic.

The Belarusian flag was solemnly brought to the stadium by children and youth and then the national anthem of Belarus was played.

Afterwards the delegations of the participant countries paraded through the stadium. Armenia’s flag bearer was European boxing champion Hovhannes Bachkov.

Belarusian history, traditions, legends, myths and achievements until our days were presented during a performance consisting of seven parts.

Then Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres wished the European Games a successful start by a video message.

The flag of the European Olympic Committee was brought and raised in the stadium by Olympic champions Yelena Belova, Igor Makarov, Aleksandr Romankov, Alla Tsuper, Janina Korolchyk and coach Nikolay Kozenko.

Vasilisa Marzalyuk swore in on behalf of athletes, Artur Fando swore in on behalf of judges and Olga Vlasova - on behalf of coaches.

President of the European Olympic Committees Janez Kocijancic welcomed the guests and thanked Belarus for hosting the European Games. He said that Belarus is a country with strong sports traditions.

“Dear athletes, I express my commitment to the continent where the Olympic Games were born. Show your best qualities!” ended his speech the president of the European Olympic Committees.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko welcomed all the participants of the games.

“We are glad we can show you the real Belarus, you’ll see that the kindest people live here. During the next 10 days we will follow the struggle of the best athletes, we will see the rising stars of international sports. It is a great honor for any athlete to represent his country in these games,” said Alexander Lukashenko.

The fire was brought to the stadium by Olympic champions Darya Domracheva, Aleksei Grishin, Maxim Mirny, Yulia Nestsiarenka, Roman Petrushenko, Nadezhda Skardino who lighted the European Games Torch.