Vasily Zakharevich on the Successes of Athletes and the Construction of New Sports Facilities in the Vitebsk Region

 

– What marked the beginning of this year?

– At official international competitions, athletes from the region have won 24 medals. In particular, the performances of Maksim Nedasekau at the European Athletics Indoor Championships left a vivid impression. He took first place in the high jump and showed the best result of the season in the world. Traditionally, representatives of trampoline jumping, who shone at the European Championships and Cup in Sochi, pleased with their medal-winning performances.

Work on the construction and reconstruction of sports facilities is ongoing. This includes the sports and recreation complex with a swimming pool in Chashniki, a swimming pool in Glubokoye, major repairs with elements of modernization of sports and recreation complexes in Orsha and the agro-town of Babinichi, Orsha district, and a stadium in Shumilino.

– Could you please predict which athletes from the region have the potential to win medals at the Olympics?

– Predictions in sports are a thankless task. And I don't like making them. I hope that athletes from the Vitebsk region will perform successfully, and those who do not manage to win prizes will show their best results.

– As far as I know, you promote a healthy lifestyle by personal example…

– I am a former professional volleyball player. As part of the Gomel team, I was a prize-winner of the Belarusian Championship. They say there are no former athletes. So, I try to find time and opportunities for sports. Every week, we, the heads of the departments of the Regional Executive Committee, get together to play volleyball. In addition, I play tennis twice a week.

– Are your children involved in sports?

– My sons followed in my footsteps. The elder one is a coach for one of the strongest teams in the Belarusian Women's Championship: "Zhemchuzhina Polesya" from Mozyr. My younger son is a multiple champion of Belarus and plays for the national team. My daughter is a designer and a fan of a healthy lifestyle.

– What are your fan preferences in sports?

– I love watching team sports competitions. Naturally, I support teams from the Vitebsk region. Whenever possible, I try to attend home matches of FC "Vitebsk", VC "Marko-VGTU", BC "Rubon", and our other teams in the regional centre. I regularly watch team sports and biathlon matches on television. I have always supported FC "Dynamo" (Kyiv). By the way, I was pleased that the team regained the championship title in the Ukrainian league this year after a long break and performed well in the European arena. In hockey and basketball, I have also been a fan of CSKA Moscow since Soviet times.

– How do you relax from sports?

– Sometimes I feel like being alone. I enjoy spending time in nature – I like mushroom picking and fishing. I also love cooking, especially making shashlik.

– Let's return to the professional holiday. What would you like to wish your colleagues on the Day of Physical Culture and Sports Workers?

– I want to express my deep gratitude to the coaches for their professionalism, competence, responsible attitude to their work, as well as for their patience and perseverance. Special words of appreciation go to our veterans – people who have made a worthy personal contribution to creating a solid foundation for the development of the industry and the upbringing of the younger generation. The industry workers face responsible tasks aimed at implementing state policy in the field of physical culture, sports, and tourism. I am confident that everyone will make every effort to successfully cope with these tasks. I congratulate all colleagues and sports enthusiasts on their professional holiday. I wish all industry workers good health, peace, and prosperity, and to the athletes – new achievements and brilliant victories for the benefit of their native Belarus!

Source: vitebsk-region.gov.by