Ukrainian athletes should admirably represent themselves and the state at the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo. The Government is already providing all necessary support for preparation and will continue to do so. Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk issued this statement during a meeting of the Organizing Committee for the Preparation and Participation of Ukrainian Athletes in the Games of the ХХХІІ Olympiad and the XVI Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

"Our task  - to ensure the best preparation of the national Olympic and Paralympic teams for the Olympic Summer Games in Tokyo. The high results of our athletes will become a clear proof of the qualitative transformation taking place in Ukraine," Oleksiy Honcharuk emphasized.

The Prime Minister is assured that the success of the Ukrainian national teams at the Olympic / Paralympic Games also depends on the effective work of the Organizing Committee on the preparation and participation of athletes.

All organizational measures were launched in a timely fashion, according to the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports of Ukraine Volodymyr Borodianskyy: "The team including head and state coaches was formed, a single calendar of sports events was approved. By February 16, 100% of the tenders for the procurement of everything necessary for the preparation and participation in the Olympics and Paralympic Games will be announced. "

The Minister added that the teams train according to the approved plans, and undergo timely functional examinations and doping control. With the support of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Finance, standard nutrition for athletes will be increased by 30% from March 1.

This year, 353 athletes from 27 sports, who have already won 80 licenses from 15 sports, are currently planning to compete from 150 to 200. Candidates have completed the qualification period with the maximum number of synchronous swimming and rhythmic gymnastics. In order to participate in the Paralympic Games, athletes with disabilities have won 84 licenses and plan to compete for another 174 licenses.

"We have set the task not only to provide high-quality support for federations for the training of athletes but also to bring the Olympic and Paralympic Games and our athletes to a new level of popularity and recognition - three times to increase the TV views, knowledge and interest in sports," Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports underscored.

The Prime Minister placed a special emphasis on the initiative of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to hold the Summer Olympics / Paralympics in Ukraine and Belarus.

"This is an important and responsible image-building step. Such large-scale projects promote the country's infrastructural renewal, increase tourist attractiveness and national prestige in the world arena, " the Head of Government said.

The Prime Minister instructed to consider Belarus' experience in hosting the 2nd European Games and the experience of European countries in hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games. And also to shape a blueprint in line with the competition requirements developed by the International Olympic Committee.

Background

The Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 will run between 24 July and 9 August. The athletes will compete for 339 medals in 33 sports/disciplines at the Games, the national Olympic team of Ukraine plans to take part in approximately 27 sports.

The XVI Summer Paralympics will be held from August 25 to September 6, 2020. The athletes will compete for 540 medals, and the national team of Ukraine plans to take part in 17 sports.