Lepel residents took part in the 5th regional tourist gathering of Afghanistan war veterans

The Vth regional tourist gathering of veterans of the war in Afghanistan was held on the territory of the "Spartakovets" health camp in the Vitebsk region, with active participation from residents of Lepel.

This time, the now traditional event was dedicated to the Year of Peace and Creation and the approaching significant date – the 35th anniversary of the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan, which will be celebrated on February 15, 2024.

Veterans of internationalist service from all districts of the Vitebsk region, numbering over 100 people, as well as from the city of Stupino in the Moscow region and the Myadel district of the Minsk region, came to meet their combat comrades.

At the beginning of the event, the Chairman of the Council of the Public Association "Belarusian Union of Veterans of the War in Afghanistan," Valery Gaydukevich, addressed the participants with a welcoming speech. He noted that such tourist gatherings are held only in the Gomel and Vitebsk regional organizations and that this tradition should be developed. He also wished all teams uncompromising competition and victory to the strongest.

It is gratifying that representatives of the younger generation also came to the tourist gathering along with the veterans. They participated in competitions with pleasure, supporting their fathers and grandfathers. This is an excellent tradition in terms of patriotic education and generational continuity, as the Belarusian Union of Veterans of the War in Afghanistan always sets itself the task of preserving and passing on the memory of the feats of the Soviet people to the younger generation.

For several days, the veterans of internationalist service participated in various competitions, demonstrating their creative and sporting talents, and exchanging experiences in patriotic education of youth.

In addition, a culinary competition was held, after which the results were announced, and the teams tasted the prepared dishes together over friendly conversations.

The veterans always fondly recall the evening meeting of combat friends at the "Campfire of Friendship," where the men share their impressions of the tourist gathering, discuss pressing issues and problems, reminisce about the past, and exchange contact information.

Our team was unrivaled in the tug-of-war sports competition. As you know, one round here can last up to 5 minutes, and during this entire time, the athletes must

to the limit of their strength. If even one person relaxes, we lose. In this stage of the competition, participants must be not only strong but also very enduring. I would like to emphasize that our team included participants of different ages, and the oldest among them was 70 years old, but the will to win still helped us become leaders.

The residents of Lepel also took 1st place in the creative competition. Musician Mikhail Tarasov, with his heartfelt patriotic song, "blew the audience away," so to speak. Our compatriot was applauded not only by those who supported our team but also by serious rivals.

As a result, the combined Lepel-Liozno team took an honorable 3rd place in the competition standings.

A rich cultural program was also organized for the participants. The soldiers honored the memory of fallen internationalist soldiers at the "Pain" monument in Vitebsk, visited the exhibition of the Museum of Internationalist Soldiers, and visited the City of Masters, where they experienced the unique atmosphere of the "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk" festival.

– The tourist rally, which has become a tradition in our region, helps to strengthen friendly ties between our organizations, provides an opportunity for a useful and active rest, improves health, and also helps to enhance patriotic work with the younger generation. After all, we all share experiences, consult on how best to hold meetings with teenagers, and what events can be organized with them so that they remain in the children's hearts and develop patriotic feelings for their Motherland, -- noted Sergey Krivel, chairman of the Lepel organization of the Belarusian Public Association of Veterans of Afghanistan. -- I really enjoyed the meeting. The organization, as always, is at a high level, but the main thing is that this event is a wonderful opportunity to communicate with former fellow servicemen.

I fully agree with Sergey Nikolaevich, as every year there are fewer and fewer veterans of the Great Patriotic War. Internationalist soldiers can tell schoolchildren and students about their service, camaraderie, and war, and instill a sense of love for the Motherland.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the Lepel district has hosted guests of the tourist rally of veterans of the Afghan war twice, and our region has always left unforgettable impressions on the participants.

Based on materials from the newspaper "Lepel Krai" newspaper "Lepel Krai"