Our Children charity campaign: Viktor Lukashenko wishes happy holidays to children in Slonim

President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko took part in the New Year’s charity campaign Our Children and visited the Special Education and Rehabilitation Center and the social services and training center of Slonim District.

Famous athletes, champions and medalists of international competitions also came to Slonim to wish the children Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Those were Chairman of the Athletics Federation, Olympic medalist Ivan Tsikhan, medalist of European wrestling championships Aliaksandr Hushtyn, world champion and champion of the 2nd European Games in rhythmic gymnastics Anastasiya Rybakova, medalist of the world and European boxing championships Yauheni Karmilchik.

Viktor Lukashenko attended a concert “New Year Kingdom” prepared by the children and presented gifts: a modern installation for doing sports and playing, as well as sweets and fruit.

It was a great day in Slonim. NOC president Viktor Lukashenko wished everyone happiness and never to be alone during holidays.

“We have recently given a start to a very good tradition, and I am really glad that it has become so popular. It will make a difference for the children and adults who work here. I think that the future of this campaign is very bright,” said Viktor Lukashenko.

Chairman of the Athletics Federation, Olympic medalist Ivan Tsikhan noted that the gift from the NOC will allow the children to develop their sports skills:

“It is our sacred duty to share a piece of our hearts with children, especially in the run-up to New Year. I’m sure this sports complex will help the kids always be in great shape,” said Ivan Tsikhan.

“These gifts mean a lot to us. Sports will greatly benefit the children at the center. They are active, and the sports complex will provide an excellent opportunity to do sports,” noted Tatyana Kozhemyako, director of the social services and training center of Slonim District.

World champion and champion of the 2nd European Games in rhythmic gymnastics Anastasiya Rybakova took part in the Our Children charity campaign for the first time and was happy to do something good for children on these pre-holiday days:

“The other athletes and I are glad to attend such an event. If there is an opportunity to bring gifts, to share a piece of warmth, then why not!? Thank you for the invitation and such an atmosphere,” said Anastasiya.

For reference:

The New Year’s charity campaign Our Children kicked off in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha National Park on 15 December and will be running for a month.

The start of the event was unusual this year. The grand opening began in Brest Oblast, in Belovezhskaya Pushcha at 11.00 on 15 December. Children from all over the country, as well as senior officials, came to Father Frost’s residence.

The event was broadcast live in the squares of the oblast capitals and in large children’s creativity centers. Such a format was used for the first time in the history of the charity marathon.

Throughout the month, numerous events will be held involving senior officials, heads of central government bodies, state-run organizations subordinate to the government, as well as concerns, banks, large enterprises and public associations.

More than 130 institutions helping children from vulnerable population groups will be hosting guests.

During the New Year’s marathon, a charity fundraiser for children with neuroblastoma will be held.

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