The XXV Republican Spartakiad of the state association "Belvtormet" was held in the Vitebsk region
For three days, the Vitebsk region hosted the XXV Republican Spartakiad of the state association "Belvtormet". Its winter stage has been held in the northern region of Belarus for the third year in a row, and, as noted by the association's management and all participants, not only because we have a climate favorable for winter sports and a good sports base, but also for the special hospitality that warms even in severe frost.
– It is very comfortable here. Great gratitude to the organizers – our unitary enterprise "Vitebskvtormet", the management of sports facilities, who created all the conditions for holding such a large-scale event, – said the General Director of SA "Belvtormet" Ivan Demidov.
As Ivan Valeryevich explained, the association pays great attention to a healthy lifestyle. A vivid example is the Spartakiad, which is held in two stages: winter and summer. It becomes a kind of summary of regular sports activities, which are held in special regard at "Chermet". This is evidenced by the figures: almost every fifth employee of the system shows decent sports results. So, it is not difficult to assemble a team for serious competitions.
– We hold regional competitions, and the best ones, those who won at the regional level, get to the republican ones. To develop their sports skills, employees, with the financial support of the trade union committee, can attend sports halls and swimming pools. Moreover, sometimes the whole family comes to train. This unites the team. Just like the professional skills competitions that we hold annually. The high professional skills of our employees were confirmed last year at international competitions in Novokuznetsk, Russia. The national team of the association's enterprises won prizes, and our employees were awarded in individual categories. We can say that the active employees of the enterprise are as passionate about sports as they are about production, – emphasized Ivan Demidov.
Vladimir Yushchenko, Deputy Chief Engineer and Chairman of the Trade Union Committee of the unitary enterprise "Vitebskvtormet", spoke about the support for employees and pensioners of the Vitebsk enterprise who are involved in sports and prefer a healthy lifestyle. Such support is enshrined in the collective agreement. Thus, the enterprise administration and the trade union organization encourage employees who participate in sports competitions, purchase sports equipment and gear, and organize training sessions.
More than 140 employees from enterprises from all regions of Belarus took part in the winter stage of the anniversary republican Spartakiad, competing in four sports: speed skating relay, swimming, badminton, and cross-country skiing. Fierce battles unfolded on the roller ski track of the "Vorobyovy Gory" tract immediately after the branded "Vitebskaya Lyzhnya". The venues of the physical culture and recreation complex of the regional center of the Olympic reserve for winter sports in Gorodok, and the Ice Palace of Sports in Vitebsk were also used, where the teams demonstrated top-class skating. All participants resided at the base of the Tourist and Recreation Complex "Losvido", where a rich cultural program was organized: recreation evenings and discos, and the folklore program "Hot Winter".
Vladimir Ilyushenko, Director of the unitary enterprise "Vitebskvtormet", noted that reliable partners helped in organizing such a large-scale event.
– I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the support and assistance of the Sports Department of the Regional Executive Committee, the administration and staff of the Regional Center for Winter Sports, and the Vitebsk Hockey Club. Many thanks to the administration and staff of the Unitary Enterprise "Vitebskturist" and its branch TOK "Losvido", where the participants of the competition were based. All our colleagues noted the high level of comfort in accommodation, meals, and spa complex services. The entertainment program prepared specifically for the Spartakiad also brought a lot of positivity: Maslenitsa festivities. Transportation services for the event were provided. All these components allowed the competition to be held at a very high level, – summed up Vladimir Ilyushenko.
On the final day of the Spartakiad, its winners were honored. There were many of them in each of the nominations. But the main prize was won by the corporate spirit, which supports both the health of employees, team cohesion, and the economic well-being of the enterprise.
Tatiana Lapoukhova, economist of UP "Vitebskvtormet":
– I participated in cross-country skiing. I have been doing this sport since childhood. I am glad that I continue to ski, both in training and on my own, for pleasure. There was a serious competition at the event. It was interesting and responsible to overcome the professional track, where the Belarusian Cups are held. It has such ascents and descents! The strongest won, of course, but the rest did not lose either. The prizes were sports drive, good mood, friendly atmosphere, and communication. The corporate spirit is eloquently demonstrated, for example, by the following fact: just before the start, my binding broke. A colleague from Mogilev helped me out: he came up and gave me his skis! And we also celebrated Maslenitsa, saw off winter, and welcomed spring.
Elena Kaltygina, Chairperson of the primary trade union organization of UP "Mogilevvtormet":
– I came to support our Mogilev team. I myself am participating in a master intensive at the summer stage of the sports games. Our administration and trade union create all the conditions for preparation for the competitions: we rent ice arenas, swimming pools, and invite professional coaches. We support initiatives, not only in Mogilev, but also in remote workshops and sections. We pay great attention to the development of a healthy lifestyle. The trade union fully pays for sports or fitness classes.
All our participants really liked how our Vitebsk colleagues organized everything. Both the competitions themselves, and accommodation, and meals, and spa treatments. Those who wished could try the cedar barrel, the Finnish sauna, relax at the disco, and have fun at the farewell to winter event. Everything was at the highest level. We have visited the Vitebsk region more than once and are glad that it was chosen as the host of the winter stage of the republican sports games.
