Kalinkovichi will have a new rowing center, BelTA was informed by deputy head of the department for physical culture, sports and tourism of the Gomel oblast executive committee Alexander Pozdnyakov. The center will be constructed in pursuance of the president’s instruction given during his recent trip to Gomel oblast. The National Bank will allocate Br1 billion for this purpose. The new sports center will be constructed on the base of already existing rowing center which is now in a very bad condition. According to Alexander Pozdnyakov, the infrastructure of the new facility will meet all modern requirements, i.e. it will have a gym, dryers, showers, etc. In his words, Gomel oblast has always been famous for its strong rowing school. Thus, Kalinkovichi rowing center fostered Honorary Master of Sports of the Republic of Belarus, world and European champion Roman Petrushenko. First Belarusian Olympic champion Leonid Geishtor is also native of Gomel. Alexander Pozdnyakov also reminded that Gomel is also building a rowing center. Construction of the new sports facilities in Kalinkovichi and Gomel will be completed in 2007.