President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Mr. Patrick Hickey came to Ukraine for an official visit at the invitation of the National Olympic Committee. It was his third visit to the country.

Mr. Hickey took part in the III Ukrainian Sports Congress where he spoke about the current trends of the global Olympic movement development and cooperation of the International Olympic Committee and the European Olympic Committees with the NOC.

"The Congress was organized at a very high level," Patrick Hickey said. "Your National Olympic Committee is among the best NOCs of the European countries, and Ukrainian athletes are known for their successful performances, including Olympic Games. Sergey Bubka is my IOC colleague and a good friend. You are lucky that he chairs the Olympic movement in your country. The NOC initiates and conducts very interesting projects. I believe that the application to hold the Olympic Games 2022 in Lviv will be a significant step forward not only for Ukrainian sport but for the whole country".

EOC President met with Ukrainian athletes, champions and Olympic medallist, visited the National Sports Complex "Olimpiyskiy", cultural and historical attractions of the capital.

The NOC President invited Mr. Patrick Hickey to the NOC headquarters where honorary guest participated in the traditional NOC ceremony of awarding the best athlete and coach of the month. Mr. Patrick Hickey and Mr. Sergey Bubka awarded Yana Dementieva, European Champion (rowing, women quadruple sculls) with a diploma and a statuette.