The schoolchildren's Olympiad of the Union State "Russia and Belarus: historical and spiritual community" is opened!
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 community".
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 gained 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 can expect a large cultural program. After all, Vitebsk region is the place where art, known all over the world, was born. As part of the Olympiad, you will have a unique opportunity to visit Polotsk, a city that is rightly considered the cradle of Belarusian statehood and the center of East Slavic culture.
Vitebsk region is an active participant in union projects. In 2024, Vitebsk, Polotsk, and Novopolotsk warmly welcomed the XI Forum of the Regions of Belarus and Russia, confirming its status as an important platform for dialogue between our countries. Every year, the city on the Western Dvina becomes the cultural capital of the Slavic world, hosting the International Arts Festival "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 a welcoming address on behalf of the Minister of Education of the Republic of Belarus, Andrei Ivanets, to all participants of the Olympiad, – said Angela Kudoyarova, consultant of the Department of General Secondary Education 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 gathering talented schoolchildren from different regions of Belarus and Russia. This is a unique opportunity for communication, 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.
Andrei Ivanets expressed confidence that the Olympiad would become not only a platform for demonstrating knowledge but also a place for exchanging ideas, inspiration, and creating new friendships.
– The Union State schoolchildren's Olympiad is not just a competition. It is an opportunity for meetings, exchanging warmth and soulfulness, as well as for learning, – welcomed the participants on the hospitable and warm Belarusian land, advisor of the Representation of the Permanent Committee of the Union State in Minsk, Irina Karpovich. – In honor of the opening of the final stage, the State Secretary of the Union State, Sergey Glazyev, sent a welcoming message.
The message states that the joint project is not only a test of knowledge of grammar and spelling but also a bright celebration of creativity, which emphasizes that the Russian language is a national treasure of Russia and Belarus.
Among those who came to Vitebsk is Mark Movsisyan from the Donetsk People's Republic.
– This is my first time in Belarus. And your country has already managed to impress me. I was especially surprised by the history of the founding of Vitebsk – in 947! This is a huge time span. The date is striking, and the realization that this city has experienced so many historical events fills me with admiration, – the young man shared. – Vitebsk today is a symbiosis of the ancient and the modern. There are beautiful, modern buildings next to which ancient structures majestically rise. This harmony makes the city not only attractive but also unique. Every street, every corner reveals its own history, and it is mesmerizing! As for the educational process, we have been preparing for exams since the 10th grade, participating in Olympiads. This is, you know, an endless journey full of effort and aspiration. I am determined to show a worthy result at the Olympiad.
Ksenia Leonuk came to the city on the Dvina from the Brest region. According to her, Vitebsk captivates with its architecture and numerous unique attractions.
– The organizers of the Olympiad have tried to make our stay unforgettable: exciting entertainment follows one after another, and there is no time to be bored. Huge thanks to them for this, – noted Ksenia. – Since the 5th grade, when I started to study intensively with my Russian language teacher, my dream of great victories has grown. I participated in the republican Olympiad in the Russian language. Then I had the chance to show myself at the Union State schoolchildren's Olympiad. And here I am in Vitebsk, at the final stage! You know, at the regional stage everything seemed simple. But when it came time to prepare for the final, studying the tasks from previous years, I realized: simplicity is just a deceptive first impression. Ahead are real challenges. Many say they came here for victory. But I think that is quite stereotypical. Instead of fixating on the result, I prefer to think that regardless of the outcome, the main thing is the experience and new knowledge.