Photo: belta.by

Three-time Olympic canoe sprint champion Sebastian Brendel of Germany hailed the level of the organization of the 2nd European Games, BelTA reports.

The German athlete placed third in the Men’s C1 1000m, finishing ahead of Belarus’ Maksim Piatrou. “I did not have a goal to win in the first final. It is necessary to balance your performance throughout the tournament. The regatta course in Zaslavl is one of the most advanced venues. I am happy that such large-scale competitions are taking place here. For the canoeists of the continent the 2nd European Games are an important sport forum. The best of the best have gathered in Minsk. I have competed in many places. Minsk did its best to organize everything at a high level: catering, transportation, boathouses, starting lines. The service is at the level of that at world championships and Olympics,” the prominent athlete said. 

Belarus won two medals on the first competition day at Zaslavl Regatta Course. Belarus’ Aleh Yurenia clinched bronze in the Men's K1 1000m. Belarus’ Volha Khudzenka and Maryna Litvinchuk won the gold medal in the Women’s K2 500m.

Belarus has so far won 43 medals, the same number the country secured at the 1st European Games four years ago. Competitions in Minsk continue and fans still can see more victories from Belarusian athletes.