People’s Unity Day: Building a strong country together!

17 September holds a special place in the history of our country and in the heart of every Belarusian. On this festive day, a cycling ride and a flower-laying ceremony at the Minsk Hero City Obelisk took place in Minsk to mark People’s Unity Day.

The event brought together many prominent athletes and coaches, President of Belarus’ NOC Viktor Lukashenko, Deputy Prime Minister Natalya Petkevich, leadership from the Sports Ministry, sports federations, national centers for Olympic training, and the country’s youth organizations, totaling over 400 participants.

Participants in the bike ride dedicated to People’s Unity Day spoke about the importance of this holiday for Belarus.

Chairwoman of the Belarusian Cycling Federation Natalya Tsilinskaya reminded everyone of the need to honor the memory of the past and uphold the country’s honor on the international stage.

“From an early age, each of us is taught what the Motherland means and how important it is to stand together. Athletes are ordinary people, citizens of their country. The values instilled in them during their upbringing are eventually reinforced by a deep sense of duty. When they step up to compete, they fight for their nation so that their flag is raised and their national anthem is played. They defend the honor and glory of Belarus. This is our way of paying tribute to past generations who defended our very right to call ourselves Belarusians,” Natalya Tsylinskaya said.

Chairman of the Central Council of the Dinamo sports society Dmitry Balaba turned to the origins of the holiday, noting that “unity” is also a core part of the organization’s slogan.

“On 17 September 1939, a historic event took place – the Belarusian people were reunited. This is deeply symbolic. It is no coincidence that the word ‘unity’ is featured in our society’s slogan, Strength in Motion and Unity. We traditionally participate in this event, and it was a real pleasure to ride the route along Pobeditelei Avenue,” Dmitry Balaba said.

Every year, more and more young athletes and representatives of the rising generation join the bike ride. Artsiom Vaitseshyn, a European U18 kayak and canoe champion, spoke with the media, noting the immense pride felt for the country on this day.

“The older generation instills in us a love for our homeland. We must remember those who paid the ultimate price for a peaceful sky so we could live the way we do today. At every tournament, I want to see our flag raised and our anthem played in honor of Belarusian victories,” Artsiom Vaitseshyn said.

Note:

People’s Unity Day was established on 7 June 2021 by Decree No. 206 of Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko. Celebrated on 17 September, the holiday marks the anniversary of the reunification of Western and Eastern Belarus in 1939. Belarus had previously been partitioned in March 1921 under the terms of the Treaty of Riga, which became void in September 1939.