Participants of the Union State schoolchildren's Olympiad, the jury, delegation leaders, and organizers laid flowers at the Eternal Flame near the Memorial Complex in honor of the Soviet soldiers-liberators, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region.
The students noted that they will always honor the feat of the generation of Victors. The memory of the fallen heroes was honored with a minute of silence.
The second day of the program promises to be eventful. Today, the solemn opening ceremony of the Olympiad "Russia and Belarus: Historical and Spiritual Community" will take place. Then, the high school students will continue their preparation for the rounds.
Vasily Rusetsky, Chairman of the Jury:
– This is a key event: according to tradition, the Union State Olympiads always begin in such significant places in the cities where they are held. In different years, these were Smolensk, Moscow, Gomel, and Polotsk. This is the first time the Olympiad is being held in Vitebsk. We are indeed in a place that is significant not only for the people of Vitebsk but for all Belarusians – Victory Square. I think it is very important for the younger generation to receive the foundations and bonds that shape their future lives, regardless of what they will do later.
Alina Maslova, Co-chair of the Olympiad, Doctor of Philology, Professor at the N. Ogarev Mordovian State University (National Research University):
– It is very important that the Olympiads of Russian literature begin precisely with such a significant patriotic event – a civic-patriotic action at Victory Square, which contributes to the spiritual unity, patriotic education of youth, the formation of a civic stance, and the strengthening of spiritual and friendly ties between the two closely related Belarusian and Russian peoples. And I am grateful that such a tradition is honored, and that young people see how valuable it is for different generations.
The participants who arrived in Vitebsk have already demonstrated top results at regional olympiads and, in Russia's case, at the All-Russian Olympiad for School Students. The Olympiad for School Students of the Union State is interesting and unconventional. It offers opportunities to showcase one's talents creatively, orally, and in writing. I believe that for the Russian participants, getting acquainted with a new culture is very important. For Belarusians, it is important to see different regions of Russia. Therefore, this is a true intellectual celebration of Russian literature. Of course, victories are important, but friendship is also important. Intellectual communication and gaining new knowledge at the excellent masterclasses organised by the hosts of the olympiad are crucial. All of this, taken together, shapes the children's worldview and gives them an incentive for spiritual growth.
This is my first time in Vitebsk, but I have been to Belarus before, for example, to Minsk. In a short period, I managed to see the city centre. Belarus is very close to my heart; I have relatives in Minsk, so for me, it is a special country, and I have a particularly warm regard for the Belarusian people.
Kira Pakhomova had the opportunity to visit Belarus for the first time thanks to the olympiad. The young woman was among the participants representing the Kursk region.
– For me, this is not only an olympiad but also a great journey. After all, coming to another country is very interesting and educational. I would like to get to know the participants from Belarus better (I am sure we will have such an opportunity) to establish contact and continue our communication after the olympiad.
Yesterday, during an excursion, we walked around the center of Vitebsk. I can say that it is a very beautiful city, especially its center. Interesting landscapes! I especially liked the Kirov Bridge and the views that open from it.
Marina Sharoyko, accompanying person and coach of the team from Krasnodar Krai:
– In recent years, we, in the schools of Russia, have held many events of a military-patriotic theme, "Conversations about what is important," and others. We understand the relevance of the topic of history, which is now being distorted in every possible way, thanks to the possibilities of the internet. We need to lay our foundation of memory. The Olympics are very important in this political context as well.
This is our first time in Vitebsk. The beauty of the city, its cleanliness, and the very friendly people are striking. This is the impression we have from everyone we have managed to meet: an open soul, a smile, and warmth.