On January 18, Vitebsk /Olga Bogacheva - BELTA/. Winter swimming competitions will gather enthusiasts of hardening in Vitebsk on Epiphany, January 19, the BELTA correspondent was informed at the Department of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee. The event will take place at 14:00 in the recreation area of the Vytba River floodplain. The core of the participants will traditionally be the group of Vitebsk walruses led by Stanislav Shumykov. More than 50 trained athletes will compete for the duration of their stay in icy water, speed of overcoming the distance, and in other categories in the "Men", "Women", "Juniors" and "Girls" groups. Other enthusiasts of winter procedures who have undergone special hardening training may also compete with them. The ice-hole, where the heated competitions will take place, will be made in the shape of a cross, about 20 m long and about 2 m wide. Before the event, it will be consecrated by clergy. All those who wish will also be able to plunge into the Epiphany water. At the same time, a doctor and employees of the Ministry of Emergency Situations will be on duty for the safety of the participants. The event is organised by the Department of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Vitebsk City Executive Committee, and Children and Youth Sports School No. 8. -0-

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