The Relay of Peace for the Minsk 2019 European Games was launched at Ara Pacis in Rome ©Minsk 2019

"Photo Gallery"

The launch event took place at Rome's Ara Pacis, built in 9BC to honour Roman Emperor Augustus and dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace ©Minsk 2019
The launch event took place at Rome's Ara Pacis, built in 9BC to honour Roman Emperor Augustus and dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace ©Minsk 2019
Flag bearers were in attendance at the ceremony ©Minsk 2019
Flag bearers were in attendance at the ceremony ©Minsk 2019
European Olympic Committees President Janez Kocijančič gave the opening speech ©Minsk 2019
European Olympic Committees President Janez Kocijančič gave the opening speech ©Minsk 2019
Sergei Kovalchuk, Belarus Minister of Sports and Tourism and deputy chairman of the Minsk 2019 Organising Committee, was also present ©Minsk 2019
Sergei Kovalchuk, Belarus Minister of Sports and Tourism and deputy chairman of the Minsk 2019 Organising Committee, was also present ©Minsk 2019
Minsk 2019 mascot, Lesik the baby fox, made an appearance ©Minsk 2019
Minsk 2019 mascot, Lesik the baby fox, made an appearance ©Minsk 2019
Kocijančič handed the Flame of Minsk 2019 to Kovalchuk ©Minsk 2019
Kocijančič handed the Flame of Minsk 2019 to Kovalchuk ©Minsk 2019
Yulia Nesterenko, an unexpected winner of 100m gold at the Athens 2004 Games, was the first to run with the Flame ©Minsk 2019
Yulia Nesterenko, an unexpected winner of 100m gold at the Athens 2004 Games, was the first to run with the Flame ©Minsk 2019
The Flame was transferred to three safety lamps which will be kept in reserve throughout the Relay
The Flame was transferred to three safety lamps which will be kept in reserve throughout the Relay
Fencer Alena Belova, a revered figure in Belarus sport from the Soviet era, was another participant in the Relay of Peace ©Minsk 2019
Fencer Alena Belova, a revered figure in Belarus sport from the Soviet era, was another participant in the Relay of Peace ©Minsk 2019