29 December, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. The regional New Year's celebration took place in Vitebsk today. More than a thousand children from all districts of the region participated in the event, a BELTA correspondent reports. The children were congratulated on the most anticipated and magical holiday by the Chairman of the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Kosinets. "2011 is coming to an end, a challenging year that presented many difficulties, but we made the right choice, implemented necessary transformations, set priorities, and are confidently entering the new year 2012," said the governor. According to him, the Vitebsk region is successfully carrying out economic transformations and leads the country in a number of forecast indicators. Industry, construction, and agriculture are dynamically developing in the region, and food security is fully ensured. "This is the immense work of your parents and your achievement," emphasized Alexander Kosinets, addressing the children. "Through your excellent studies, exemplary behaviour, and participation in sports, you have created a good mood for your parents, and thanks to this, our region has achieved successful development." The governor's Christmas tree was attended by the best schoolchildren of the region: excellent students, winners of olympiads, sports competitions, pupils of boarding schools, and cadet schools. "Your parents can be proud of you; thank you to them for raising their children so well," noted the chairman of the regional executive committee. The young hosts of the concert, on behalf of all schoolchildren of the region, presented Alexander Kosinets with a protective amulet panel made from embroidered children's drawings and a painting dedicated to Vitebsk. In addition to the colourful celebration, organised as part of the republican campaign "Our Children," the children took part in a sightseeing tour of Vitebsk and an entertainment event on Victory Square.-0-

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