Vytoki in Slonim: Festival unites

Slonim became the center of cultural and sports life of Grodno Oblast for a few days. The Vytoki festival celebrated the cultural heritage of the region and shone a new light on its sports potential.

The city is considered one of the sports centers of Belarus, and the second day of the festival kicked off with a landmark event - the opening of a new stadium in the agro-town of Zhirovichi near the famous monastery.

President of the NOC of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko, Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) Mikhail Orda, Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Karanik, Chairman of the Belarus Athletic Federation Ivan Tsikhan, senior officials of Slonim District, and distinguished guests took part in the opening ceremony of the new stadium.

The stadium is suitable for team sports, has racetracks with a special rubber coating. The stadium will be open not only to students of the local school, but also to everyone.

“The new life of the stadium, based on the good traditions of sport, will definitely bring good results. I am sure that we will see some of the children who are here with us today in the world's major arenas. An inspiration for you is your fellow countryman Ivan Tsikhan. You have something to aspire and someone to look up to. Set your goals and work towards them," Viktor Lukashenko said.

The first competition at the renovated stadium in Zhirovichi was started by Olympic medalist Ivan Tsikhan, a native of Slonim District.

"The main focus of Vytoki is our children. They are its main audience. Here they have the opportunity to try themselves in various sports," Ivan Tsikhan said.

Head of the NOC of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko, Sport and Tourism Minister Sergei Kovalchuk, FTUB Chairman Mikhail Orda and Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Karanik visited the Holy Dormition Zhirovichi Monastery, one of the spiritual centers of Belarus, and laid flowers at the grave of Metropolitan Filaret.

During the opening ceremony of the festival "Vytoki. A Step Towards the Olympus” Viktor Lukashenko presented a certificate for Br100,000 to the chairman of the Slonim District Executive Committee for the development of the sports infrastructure of Slonim District.

“Our festival continues its journey through the cities of Belarus. Today we are in the glorious ancient city of Slonim, a city of creative people, rich in art and sports. This city gave our country great athletes, including Ivan Tikhon, participants in championships of various levels," Viktor Lukashenko said and wished everyone a great Olympic quest.

Grodno Oblast Governor Vladimir Karanik praised the festive atmosphere at the event, and added that a lot of people decided to attend it. “This is a family festival, where children can join sports, get a lot of positive emotions and feel the competitive spirit. It is important for promotion of sports. We are very grateful to the National Olympic Committee for this festival. It enables young people to take another step towards harmonious development.

Such festivals help draw more children to physical education and sport. They also get them familiar with the history of their native land and our regions. They help us feel even more proud of our country,” the Grodno Oblast governor said.

The Vytoki festival is constantly developing and has already gone beyond its “family-type” borders, Chairman of the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus (FTUB) Mikhail Orda said at the festival in Slonim.

“Vytoki has already become more than a family festival. We see that our national values, traditions, history and the results of our people's work are presented in the cities that host the festival. Vytoki is traditionally attended by prominent athletes, who represent Belarus in various competitions, famous artists, painters and craftsmen. We are one Belarusian family and together we contribute to the development of our country,” Mikhail Orda said.

Many outstanding athletes attended the festival in Slonim: Olympic champion Hanna Huskova, two-time world champion Yauheni Karaliok, and Ekaterina Karsten, who held a clinic.

“I attended my first Vytoki festival in Bobruisk. Every year the festival offers something new and more interesting. There were a lot of participants in Baranovichi and there are many in Slonim today,” Olympic canoe sprint champion Andrei Bahdanovich said.

Exhibitions of regional enterprises and craftsmen make a big part of the Vytoki festival.

Yelena Mikhed, for example, spoke about different embroidery techniques she uses in her work: cross stitch, satin stitch, and others.

“Our handmade towers are popular. I receive orders for various celebrations. At the festival I shared my secrets of craftsmanship,” she said.

The winners of the regional stage of the intellectual tournament Vytoki Quiz were named at the festival. The best team was Kedy Michalishki secondary school, Ostrovets District.

The entertainment program of the festival continued with a show of apparel collections by Belarusian manufacturers, designers and entrepreneurs (Rodnaye-Modnaye). The festival also featured a vocal competition. Laureates were awarded diplomas and prizes, and got also an opportunity to take part in clinics from the country’s leading singers.

The competition of young singers was won by Nadezhda Logvinova. The festival wrapped up with a concert featuring Belarusian artists, fireworks and a disco.

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