Miory Regional Executive Committee
Participants of the Union State Schoolchildren’s Olympiad, members of the jury, delegation leaders, and organizers laid flowers at the Eternal Flame adjacent to the Memorial Complex dedicated to the Soviet liberators, partisans, and underground resistance fighters of the Vitebsk region.
The young participants noted that they would always honor the deeds of the Victorious generation. A minute of silence was held in memory of the fallen heroes.
The second day of the schedule promises to be full of events. Today, a solemn opening ceremony of the Olympiad “Russia and Belarus: Historical and Spiritual Unity” will be held. Following this, high school students will resume their preparation for the competition stages.
Chairman of the Jury, Vasiliy Ruzetsky:
– This is a pivotal event: by tradition, the Union State Olympiads always commence in landmark locations within the host cities. Over the years, these have included Smolensk, Moscow, Gomel, and Polotsk. For the first time, the Olympiad is being held in Vitebsk. We are truly at a site of significance not only for Vitebsk residents but for all Belarusians—Victory Square. It is crucial that the younger generation receives the foundational values and unifying principles that will shape their future lives, regardless of their chosen career paths.
Alina Maslova, Co-Chair of the Olympiad, Doctor of Philological Sciences, Professor at the National Research Mordovian State University named after N. Ogarev:
– It is highly significant that the Olympiads in Russian Language and Literature commence with such a landmark patriotic initiative—a civic-patriotic event held on Victory Square that fosters spiritual unity, patriotic education among youth, the development of civic responsibility, and the strengthening of spiritual and fraternal ties between the closely related Belarusian and Russian peoples. I am deeply appreciative that this tradition is upheld, allowing the younger generation to recognize its profound value across different age groups.
Young participants who have already achieved top results at regional olympiads, and in the case of Russia, at the All-Russian School Olympiad, have arrived in Vitebsk. The Student Olympiad of the Union State is engaging and unconventional. It offers an opportunity to demonstrate one's abilities both creatively and through oral and written assignments. I believe that for Russian students, acquainting themselves with a new culture is highly significant. For Belarusian students, it is equally important to explore various regions of Russia. Thus, this event constitutes a genuine intellectual celebration of Russian literature. Naturally, victories are important, but friendship holds equal value. Intellectual exchange, the acquisition of new knowledge at outstanding master classes organized by the olympiad hosts, are also crucial. Collectively, these factors shape the children's worldview and inspire their spiritual development.
This is my first visit to Vitebsk, though I have been to Belarus before, for example, to Minsk. Within a short timeframe, I was able to tour the city center. Belarus holds a special place in my heart, as I have relatives in Minsk; therefore, it is a unique country for me, and I hold a particularly warm regard for the Belarusian people.
Kira Pakhomova has had the opportunity to visit Belarus for the first time thanks to the olympiad. She is among the group of students representing the Kursk region.
– For me, this is not merely an olympiad, but also a significant journey. Traveling to another country is inherently interesting and educational. I would like to become better acquainted with the students from Belarus (I am confident we will have such an opportunity), to build rapport and continue our communication after the olympiad concludes.
Yesterday, during the excursion, we strolled through the city center of Vitebsk. I must say it is a very beautiful city, particularly its central area. The scenery is fascinating! I was especially impressed by the Kirov Bridge and the panoramic views from it.
Marina Sharoiko, accompanying teacher and coach of the team from the Krasnodar Krai:
– In recent years, numerous events with a military-patriotic focus, including “Conversations About Important Things” and similar initiatives, have been regularly held in Russian schools. We recognize the pressing importance of historical topics, which are currently being distorted through various means enabled by the internet. It is necessary to lay a solid foundation of historical memory. The olympiad is highly significant in this political context as well.
We are visiting Vitebsk for the first time. The beauty of the city, its cleanliness, and the very friendly people are impressive. That was the impression left by everyone we had the opportunity to meet: an open heart, a smile, and warmth.