The Ice Palace is hosting the sports festival 'Vitebsk Welcomes Friends'
– The state pays great attention and creates all conditions so that people with additional needs do not lack anything. It is very important for them to participate in public life, to realize themselves to the maximum in creativity, culture, and sports, – noted Dmitry Demidov, Chairman of the Regional Council of Deputies, Chairman of the regional organization of the RPO "Belaya Rus". – By participating in such Spartakiads, you get charged with positive energy, admire the optimism and zest for life of people with disabilities. In many ways, they are an example and inspire us. A person's potential is limitless if the inherent potential is used to the fullest.
The Spartakiad of 11 sports and contests brought together participants from seven districts of the region. According to Eduard Avetisyan, Chairman of the Board of the Vitebsk City and Regional Organizations of the Belarusian Association of Disabled People, the tradition of holding the Spartakiad originated six years ago, and the number of participants is growing every year. A children's team has also been participating for the third year.
– Champions of Belarus and candidates for master of sports compete here, among others. I am sure that such events not only foster a healthy lifestyle among people with additional needs but also show that sport is an important factor for rehabilitation, – noted Eduard Avetisyan.
Denis Fateev, Head of the Sports and Tourism Department of the Regional Executive Committee, added that buildings are constantly being modernized in the Vitebsk region, and a barrier-free environment is being created. Various events help people adapt to life, showcase their sports abilities, meet, and communicate.
As part of the event, a presentation of the team that plays football in electric wheelchairs also took place.
– Our team is the only one in Vitebsk that participates in international competitions. Recently, we visited Rostov-on-Don and showed a good result, – noted Eduard Avetisyan. – Electric wheelchairs are controlled by a joystick. Now we have three of them, and we will be helped to purchase a fourth one within a month. However, for the team to play fully, five more are needed. In the future, we would like to organize a center for playing football in electric wheelchairs so that participants from all over the republic can come here. And we are sure that our dream is not far off.