The festival "VyToka. Step to Olympus" was held in Orsha"
The sports-themed venues remain crowded. Activity zones include an Olympic quest, seminars and lectures, an art exhibition, a mobile planetarium, interactive family game areas, exhibitions and sales of products from regional artisans and manufacturers, dance and vocal master classes, and competitions. In other words, the festival united sports, culture, education, and economy, contributing to the region's development. This opinion was expressed at the festival's opening by the President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus, Viktor Lukashenko.
– It is symbolic that the event is taking place in the Year of National Unity and the 30th anniversary of the NOC, – noted its president. – The goal of the festival is to showcase the development and unique features of the region. It is not just a sports celebration. Prior to this, seminars and educational programs were held for two days. Today's festival day can be called a mini-Olympic event. The festival demonstrates how, from the very beginning, we are moving step by step towards Olympus. The task of this cultural and sports festival is to help the region showcase its development and unique features. That is precisely why "Vytoki" has changed its location and is now held not in the capital and regional centers, but in such not very large, but no less interesting and rich in traditions cities.
Speaking to journalists, Viktor Lukashenko said that he gladly visits Orsha, a city with which many things are connected for him.
– The city is very beautiful, hospitable, and undoubtedly, it has changed for the better, transformed. You come here, and your soul rejoices!
A role model is the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, who is motivated by his personal achievements in sports. This time, he did not stand aside from the competitive part of the festival, setting a Belarusian record in his age and weight category by bench-pressing 215 kg! He also managed 36 repetitions with a 32 kg kettlebell in 30 seconds. The head of the region emphasized the symbolic name of the festival, "Vytoki" (Origins).
– Without knowing one's origins, spiritual heritage, and history, it is impossible to raise a truly great athlete and a worthy citizen of one's country. Someone who will not be empty in spirit, will love and respect their homeland, and work constructively for its benefit. I believe this festival has initiated a good tradition that will continue for a very long time, – said Nikolai Sherstnev.
It is noteworthy that in 2022, Orsha will celebrate its status as the cultural capital of Belarus. This is another reason why the Orsha "Vytoki" is a good start and an example for the entire northern region.
– This pilot project will serve as an example for the entire region. We will extend the experience of organizing and holding similar events to other districts, – noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. – I believe this celebration has laid the foundation for traditions that will continue for many years. The festival has a profound meaning: it is impossible to raise an athlete without spiritual heritage, without knowledge of history. We must show the children our origins, what we are rich in, what our culture is, enrich them spiritually, and on this foundation, raise an athlete who will truly fight for our Motherland.
The festival was opened by Orsha native, footballer Anton Putilo, and laureate of international competitions, winner of the Grand Prix of the children's international competition "Slavianski Bazaar," Angelina Lomako.
The winners of the "Olympic Quest" were awarded on the stage. All its participants completed 15 tasks in various sports, the results of which were recorded in special cards. Young athletes practiced biathlon, cycled, played football, chess, volleyball, lifted weights, boxed, demonstrated knowledge of sports medicine, etc.
– It's a wonderful celebration, we are happy to participate, – said Dmitry Vorobyov from Orsha. – We came here as a family. My son is participating in the Olympic quest, and we are cheering for him. He plays basketball following my example and is already achieving success in this sport. The city needs such events. After all, it's not only a healthy leisure activity but also an incentive for further achievements.
The "Vytoki" festival will conclude with an evening gala concert featuring popular artists and a lively disco.
The organizers of the celebration are the National Olympic Committee, the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, ArtKhaos LLC, and BelBrendAudit LLC.
"Vitebskiye Vesti". Photos by the newspaper, NOC, and the Telegram channel "Vitebsk Region. Official".