Day of People’s Unity: Building the future on the foundation of the past

A cycling event in honor of the Day of People's Unity took place in Minsk on 17 September. It featured Deputy Prime Minister Natalya Petkevich, Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee Dmitry Dovgalenok, and members of the country's sports community, federations, national centers of Olympic training in various sports, and other sports organizations.

The event followed Pobeditelei Avenue, one of Minsk’s most scenic and sports-oriented routes. The cycling event concluded at the Minsk Hero City stele where participants laid flowers and warmly interacted with young athletes.



“On this festive day, we have shown that we are united, that we are whole, and that we live in an independent state. Waking up this morning in good spirits, we make breakfast and walk along beautiful, spacious streets in sunny weather. We also remember the heroic deeds of our ancestors. They also inspire victories. Our ancestors were winners, and I want to continue this tradition: to win and to be strong,” Olympic silver medalist Anton Smolski said.


“We have been holding the cycling event on the Day of People’s Unity for several years now. Above all, I am happy to see young athletes, sports veterans, and anyone who feels like it joining us. It is important to remember those who fought for the Motherland, for our freedom, and gave their lives for it. It is absolutely necessary to hold such events and emphasize: we are united in our country,” Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus, Olympic champion Dmitry Dovgalenok said.




“On the Day of People’s Unity, we must set an example for the new generation. Today, as one athletic and united family, we demonstrate to the entire nation: we are strong when we are united, we are invincible! Belarus has come a very long way. We have gained experiences and can compare; we saw what disunity can lead to. We must educate our children and show them what to strive for, to honor the deeds of the heroes who gave us the right to live freely on our land," the head of the Belarusian Hockey Federation, Olympic champion Aliaksandr Bahdanovich said.

Press service of the NOC of Belarus
Photos by the NOC of Belarus