6 July, Vitebsk /Diana Kurilo - BELTA/. The second blueberry championship will be held in Polotsk District on 7 July, BELTA was informed by the Ideological Work Department of the Polotsk District Executive Committee. Seasonal championships for berry and mushroom picking have become a hallmark of Polotsk District and attract more and more participants each year. This second blueberry championship has surpassed its predecessor in terms of the number of participants. While last year 40 teams of 4 participants competed in speed blueberry picking, this year 70 teams have submitted applications. Teams have been represented by rural councils, educational institutions, medical institutions, and industrial enterprises. However, this list is not final. Participants can join the pickers until the teams start – until 7:30 AM. Despite the large number of participants, the organizers assure that there will be enough berries for everyone, as the areas near the village of Zaozerye, where the competition will take place, are famous for their blueberry patches. At noon, the teams must present the results of their harvest to the jury. The berries will be weighed, and it will be checked how much debris the contestants bring along with the blueberries. All that the team members collect, they can take with them or sell it on the spot to the local consumer cooperative. The winners will receive the now traditional prizes – soft toys in the shape of blueberry cushions. For the fans, fun games, a concert, and trade will be organised with a wide sale of food and souvenir products. According to the organisers of the Polotsk seasonal championships, such fun competitions are an excellent way to organise healthy recreation. -0-

BELTA