We are faithful to memory. A civic-patriotic event was held at Victory Square in Vitebsk
Participants of the Union State School Olympiad, jury members, delegation leaders, and organizers laid flowers at the Eternal Flame near the Memorial Complex in honor of the Soviet liberator soldiers, partisans, and underground fighters of the Vitebsk region.
The students noted that they will always honor the feat of the generation of Victors. The memory of the fallen heroes was honored with a minute of silence.
The second day of the program promises to be eventful. Today, the solemn opening ceremony of the Olympiad "Russia and Belarus: Historical and Spiritual Community" will take place. Then, the high school students will continue their preparation for the rounds.
Chairman of the Jury Vasily Rusetsky:
– This is a key event: by tradition, the Union State Olympiads always begin in such significant places in the cities where they are held. In different years, these were Smolensk, Moscow, Gomel, and Polotsk. For the first time, the Olympiad is being held in Vitebsk. We are indeed in a place that is significant not only for the people of Vitebsk but for all Belarusians – Victory Square. I think it is very important for the younger generation to receive the foundations and bonds that will shape their future lives, regardless of what they do later.
Alina Maslova, Co-Chair of the Olympiad, Doctor of Philology, Professor at the N. Ogarev Mordovia State University:
– It is very important that the Russian Literature Olympiads begin with such a significant patriotic event – a civic and patriotic action on Victory Square, which contributes to spiritual unity, patriotic education of youth, the formation of a civic stance, and the strengthening of spiritual and friendly ties between the two closely related Belarusian and Russian peoples. And I am grateful that such a tradition is honored, and that young people see how valuable it is for different generations.
Young people who have already shown the best results at regional Olympiads and, in Russia's case, at the All-Russian School Olympiad have come to Vitebsk. The Union State School Olympiad is interesting and non-standard. It offers an opportunity to express oneself creatively, both orally and in writing. I think it is very important for Russian students to get acquainted with a new culture. It is important for Belarusians to see different regions of Russia. Therefore, this is a true intellectual celebration of Russian literature. Of course, victories are important, but friendship is also important. Intellectual communication, gaining new knowledge at wonderful master classes organized by the Olympiad hosts are important. All of this together shapes the worldview of children and gives them an incentive for spiritual growth.
This is my first time in Vitebsk, but I have been to Belarus before, for example, to Minsk. And in a short period of time, I managed to see the city center. Belarus is very close to my heart; I have relatives in Minsk, so for me, it is a special country, and I have a particularly warm attitude towards the Belarusian people.
Kira Pakhomova had the opportunity to visit Belarus for the first time thanks to the Olympiad. The girl was among the students representing the Kursk region.
– For me, this is not only an Olympiad but also a great journey. After all, coming to another country is very interesting and educational. I would like to get to know the students from Belarus better (I am sure we will have such an opportunity) in order to establish contact and continue communication after the Olympiad.
Yesterday, during an excursion, we walked around the center of Vitebsk. I can say that it is a very beautiful city, especially its center. The landscapes are interesting! I especially liked the Kirov Bridge and the views that open up from it.
Marina Sharoyko, chaperone and coach of the team from Krasnodar Krai:
– In recent years, many military-patriotic events, "Conversations about what matters," and others have been held in our schools in Russia. We understand the relevance of history, which is now being distorted in every possible way through the internet. We need to lay the foundation of our memory. The Olympiad is very important in this political context as well.
This is our first time in Vitebsk. The beauty of the city, its cleanliness, and the very friendly people are striking. This is the impression we have from everyone we've had the chance to meet: open souls, smiles, and warmth.