1.   While balloon events are often called races, hot-air balloon competition involves accurate landings, while gas balloon events have more to do with distance covered.

2.   Brown, from England, owns a major balloon-flight company and has taken part in various balloon competitions, the statement added.

3.   It said the balloonists were taking part in the Gordon Bennett gas balloon competition and had begun their race in Switzerland.

4.   Organizers of the international balloon competition have said they had permission for the balloons to be in Belarussian air space, and the Minsk government had received flight plans.

5.   Seventeen balloons, including three American teams, took off Saturday night from Wil, Switzerland, in the annual Gordon Bennett gas balloon competition.

6.   Seventeen balloons, including three American teams, took off Saturday night from Wil, Switzerland, in the Gordon Bennett gas balloon competition.

7.   The pilots shot down over Belarus while flying in a helium balloon competition had competed in events during the last two Albuquerque International Balloon Fiestas.