Such a vibrant sports and cultural festival would be welcomed in any corner of Belarus and beyond. This time, Polotsk in the Vitebsk region was fortunate. The ancient city is the cradle of Belarusian statehood. Where else but here to host the festival "Vytoki. Krok da Alimpu" (Origins. Step to the Olympus). Its organisers included the National Olympic Committee, the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus, the "ArtChaos" Art Gallery, and the "BelBrendAudit" company.
The sports and cultural programme of the festival was exceptionally rich. Masterclasses, contests, themed areas, a fashion show – everyone certainly found an activity to their liking. And what queues lined up at the locations for over 20 sports! Such platforms are the best advertisement for sports clubs and a healthy lifestyle, and at the same time, an opportunity to participate in one of the most large-scale international Olympic quests.
We found Olga Yakutenko from Vitebsk and her 10-year-old daughter Masha at the location of the Vitebsk Regional Centre for Olympic Reserve in Rowing Sports, which, incidentally, is based in Polotsk. "We want to try everything in the Olympic quest, Olga is determined:
– Masha has been doing athletics for five years, she has achievements in running, long jump, and high jump. So I am confident in her abilities. This is not our first trip to such events. We have something to compare with, and, in my opinion, everything in Polotsk is very cool. Such festivals are very important for the regions; they bring sports and physical culture closer to children and adults. Masha has long wanted to try kayaking. And, thanks to the festival, she managed to fulfil her dream on... land.
"Vytoki" and special sports simulators helped her achieve this. Mikhail Kaminsky, senior coach of the academic rowing department, Master of Sports, notes:
– Academic rowing and kayaking/canoeing are iconic sports for Polotsk. Projects like "Vytoki" stimulate interest in them. May there be more champions raised in Polotsk!
What is one of the best places for a festival selfie on Freedom Square? Young athlete Nastya Alekseeva from Bigosovo is sure:
– It's the racing truck of the "MAZ-SPORTavto" team, the very one that participated in the "Dakar" rally. When else will there be a chance to get an autograph from its crew?!
Together with 11-year-old Nastya from Verkhnedvinsk district, a friendly team of gifted young athletes from the "Olimpiets" club. They specifically came for the festival, says physical education teacher Olga Gendik:
– And they were not disappointed for a moment. Thanks to the organisers for a wonderful celebration!
Young karate world champion Daria Matveeva is in Polotsk as part of a delegation from Veliky Novgorod. At 15, the girl can easily pin down many adults. Your "Vytoki" is something special, smiles Dasha:
– So many emotions. I've never seen so many sports equipment, apparatus, and people in one place!
But, as they say, it's not all about sports. The cultural programme is also excellent. This is the opinion of local resident Anna Yakubenok, whom we met at the Sharkaushchyna Crafts Centre tent:
– We enjoyed a walk through the improvised city of masters. And my 5-year-old daughter Nika sat at the potter's wheel for the first time. Where else, if not at such festivals, can a young child "try their hand" at creativity?
A bright highlight of the festival was the traditional vocal competition for "Vytoki". 7 young vocalists participated in its children's programme, and 10 in the adult programme. It was not easy for the jury to choose the winners. As a result, the first place among contestants aged 12-16 went to Zlata Yaroshevich, and among those aged 17-30 to Irina Irshonok.
The focus of the audience's attention was undoubtedly the fashion show of the "Rodnoye-modnoye" project. It joined the celebration this season and immediately hit the mark. The project's goal is to popularise Belarusian fashion. Show participant Maria Skripkina from Minsk shared:
– We are happy to present collections of clothing from Belarusian designers, brands, and enterprises – cool, fashionable, and relevant. The festival itself is wonderful. If it weren't for the fashion show, I would have simply been a guest. By the way, I'm no stranger to sports. I played basketball in my childhood. And for children from the regions, such events are like a step towards a dream, an opportunity to see, try, and find out what you like and what you are capable of.
The concert and entertainment programme of "Vytoki" continues with a concert by Belarusian pop artists. In the evening, the sky over ancient Polotsk will light up with all the colours of a fireworks display.
Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by
