Miory Regional Executive Committee
More than two hundred high school students from two countries gathered in Vitebsk, where on October 27 they launched the final stage of the Union State schoolchildren's Olympiad "Russia and Belarus: Historical and Spiritual Unity".
The Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee, Alexander Subbotin, welcomed the participants and guests of the Union State schoolchildren's Olympiad.
– The Olympiad has been held since 2004 and has already earned the status of a prestigious movement among young lovers of the word. We are grateful that the northern region of Belarus has been honored to host the final stage. In addition to creative competitions, you will be treated to an extensive cultural program. After all, the Vitebsk Region is the place where art, known throughout the world, originated. Within the framework of the Olympiad, you will have a unique opportunity to visit Polotsk, a city that rightfully is considered the cradle of Belarusian statehood and a center of East Slavic culture.
The Vitebsk Region is an active participant in Union projects. In 2024, Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk warmly hosted the XI Forum of Regions of Belarus and Russia, confirming the status of an important venue for dialogue between our countries. Every year, the city on the Western Dvina becomes the cultural capital of the Slavic world by hosting the International Festival of Arts "Slavianski Bazaar in Vitebsk," noted the Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. – May the Olympiad become a place for new acquaintances and warm friendly communication.
– Today it is a great honor for me to read out a welcome address on behalf of the Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus, Andrey Ivants, to all participants of the Olympiad, said Angela Kudoiarova, consultant of the General Secondary Education Department of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Belarus. – In his address, the minister noted that the Olympiad has become a good tradition, annually bringing together talented schoolchildren from different regions of Belarus and Russia. This is a unique opportunity for communication, and for studying the Russian language and literature.
The minister also congratulated the participants on the start of the intellectual competition, emphasizing the significance of this year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.
Andrey Ivanets expressed confidence that the olympiad will become not only a platform for demonstrating knowledge, but also a venue for exchanging ideas, finding inspiration, and forging new friendships.
– The School Olympiad of the Union State is not merely a competition. It is an opportunity for encounters, sharing warmth and sincerity, as well as learning, – welcomed the participants on the hospitable and warm Belarusian soil, Irina Karpovich, Advisor to the Representation of the Permanent Committee of the Union State in Minsk. – On the occasion of the opening of the final stage, Secretary General of the Union State Sergey Glazyev sent a greeting address.
The message states that the joint project is not only a test of knowledge in grammar and spelling, but also a vibrant celebration of creativity, underscoring that the Russian language is a national treasure of Russia and Belarus.
Among those who arrived in Vitebsk is Mark Movsisyan from the Donetsk People's Republic.
– I am in Belarus for the first time. And your country has already managed to impress me. I was especially struck by the history of Vitebsk’s founding – in 947! That is a tremendous span of time. The date is staggering, and the realization that this city has witnessed so many historical events fills one with admiration, – shared the young man. – Today, Vitebsk is a symbiosis of the ancient and the modern. Here, beautiful contemporary buildings stand alongside majestic historic structures. This harmony makes the city not only attractive but also unique. Every street, every corner reveals its own history, and it is truly mesmerizing! As for my studies, I have been preparing for exams since the 10th grade and participating in olympiads. You know, it is an endless path full of effort and determination. At the olympiad, I am determined to deliver a worthy result.
Ksenia Leonyuk arrived in the city on the Daugava River from the Brest Region. According to her, Vitebsk captivates with its architecture and numerous unique landmarks.
– The organizers of the olympiad made every effort to make our stay unforgettable: engaging activities follow one after another, leaving no room for boredom. A huge thank you to them for this, noted Ksenia. – Since the fifth grade, when I began intensive studies with my Russian language teacher, the dream of major victories has been growing within me. I participated in the republican olympiad in the Russian language. Then I had the opportunity to demonstrate my skills at the Schoolchildren’s Olympiad of the Union State. And now I am in Vitebsk, at the final stage! You know, at the regional stage everything seemed straightforward. But when it came time to prepare for the finals by reviewing past years’ tasks, I realized that simplicity is merely a deceptive first impression. Real challenges lie ahead. Many say they have come here for victory. However, I consider such an approach rather stereotypical. Instead of fixating on the result, I prefer to focus on the fact that regardless of the outcome, the most important thing is the experience gained and the new knowledge acquired.