Over two hundred high school students from two countries gathered in Vitebsk, where today marked the start of the final stage of the Union State schoolchildren's Olympiad "Russia and Belarus: Historical and Spiritual Community".
The Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, welcomed the participants and guests of the Union State schoolchildren's Olympiad.
– The Olympiad has been held since 2004 and has already gained the status of a prestigious movement among young lovers of the word. We are grateful that the northern region of Belarus has been honored to host the final stage. In addition to creative competitions, a rich cultural program awaits you. After all, the Vitebsk region is a place where art, known throughout the world, originated. Within the framework of the Olympiad, you will have a unique opportunity to visit Polotsk, a city that is deservedly considered the cradle of Belarusian statehood and a center of Slavic culture.
The Vitebsk region is an active participant in union projects. In 2024, Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk warmly hosted the XI Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, confirming their status as an important platform for dialogue between our countries. Annually, the city on the Western Dvina becomes the cultural capital of the Slavic world, hosting the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" International Arts Festival, – noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. – May the Olympiad become a place for new acquaintances and warm friendly communication.
– Today, it is a great honor for me to read the welcome address on behalf of the Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus, Andrei Ivants, to all participants of the Olympiad, – said Angela Kudoyarova, consultant of the General Secondary Education Department of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus. – In his address, the Minister noted that the Olympiad has become a good tradition, annually gathering talented schoolchildren from different regions of Belarus and Russia. This is a unique opportunity for communication and studying the Russian language and literature.
The Minister also congratulated the participants on the start of the intellectual competition, emphasizing the significance of this year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
Андрей Ivanets expressed confidence that the Olympiad will become not only a platform for demonstrating knowledge, but also a place for exchanging ideas, inspiration, and forging new friendships.
– The Union State School Olympiad is not just a competition. It is an opportunity for meetings, for exchanging warmth and sincerity, as well as for learning, – welcomed the participants to the hospitable and warm Belarusian land Irina Karpovich, Advisor to the Representative Office of the Union State Standing Committee in Minsk. – In honor of the opening of the final stage, the Secretary of State of the Union State, Sergey Glazyev, sent a welcome address.
The message states that the joint project is not only a test of knowledge of grammar and spelling, but also a bright celebration of creativity, which emphasizes that the Russian language is a common national treasure of Russia and Belarus.
Among those who arrived in Vitebsk is Mark Movsisyan from the Donetsk People's Republic.
– This is my first time in Belarus. And your country has already managed to impress me. I was especially surprised by the history of Vitebsk's founding – in 947! This is a huge span of time. The date is striking, and the realization that this city has witnessed so many historical events fills me with admiration, – shared the young man. – Vitebsk today is a symbiosis of the ancient and the modern. There are beautiful, modern buildings, next to which majestic ancient structures rise. This harmony makes the city not only attractive but also unique. Every street, every corner reveals its history, and it's captivating! As for the educational process, we started preparing for exams in the 10th grade, and I participated in Olympiads. This is, you know, an endless journey, full of effort and aspiration. I am determined to show a worthy result at the Olympiad.
Ksenia Leonюк came to the city on the Dvina from the Brest region. According to her, Vitebsk is captivating with its architecture and numerous unique attractions.
– The Olympiad organizers did their best to make our stay unforgettable: exciting entertainment follows one after another, and there is no time to be bored. Many thanks to them for that, – Ksenia noted. – Since the 5th grade, when I started studying in-depth with my Russian language teacher, the dream of great victories grew. I participated in the republican Olympiad in the Russian language. Then I got a chance to prove myself at the Olympiad of schoolchildren of the Union State. And now I am in Vitebsk, at the final stage! You know, at the regional stage, everything seemed simple. But when it was time to prepare for the final, studying past years' tasks, I realized: simplicity is just a deceptive first impression. Ahead are real challenges. Many say they came here for victory. But I think this is quite stereotypical. Instead of focusing on the result, I prefer to think that regardless of the outcome, the main thing is the experience and new knowledge.
"Vitebskiye Vesti"
