Uniting the whole country: in Gomel, the XX republican intersectoral Spartakiad of Trade Unions officially started

Anniversary XX Republican Intersectoral Trade Union Games officially started in Gomel, bringing together about 800 participants from all over the country. For four days, representatives of 15 trade unions – from doctors and teachers to grain growers and loggers – will compete for medals in nine sports disciplines in the main arenas of the regional center.

The initiators of the large-scale celebration are the Federation of Trade Unions of Belarus and the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Belarus. The Spartakiad is designed to support the aspiration of working people to an active lifestyle, strengthen their health and unite thousands of teams of the country. A friendly start under hundreds of banners The festive program was opened by a large-scale bike ride “In unity is strength!”, which was launched at the Ice Palace on Mazurov Street. Hundreds of the strongest amateur athletes and representatives of labor collectives went to the streets of the regional center, which were instantly filled with the atmosphere of the celebration. In the cohesive bicycle column, the colorful State Flags of the Republic of Belarus, the banners of the FPB - the most massive public organization in the country - and industry trade unions proudly waved. The sporting event gave a charge of excellent mood to all residents and guests of Gomel.

- I had a chain in my bike sleeping during the race, but my colleagues helped me quickly fix the breakdown, and the bike ride did not last for a minute. This is an indicator of real unity, shared the marathon participant Lilia Lysenkova. The cycle route passed through the iconic places of the city and ended at the Rebellion Square. Immediately after the finish, the participants and guests of the holiday went to the memorial sign to the victims of the genocide of the Belarusian people to lay flowers and honor the memory of the victims with a minute of silence.

The organizers chose such a symbolic start not by chance, because remembering those who gave us a peaceful sky is a sacred Belarusian tradition. The participant of the bike ride Natalia Skuratova shared her impressions:

- Participation in such actions is our duty. We must remember the cost of peace so that today we can work peacefully, raise children and look to the future with confidence. Without this memory, there is no future. It was very important for us to travel this route together. Despite the bad weather, we did it together, proving that there are no barriers for a real team. The culmination of the first day was a bright opening ceremony at the Luch stadium, which turned into a real holiday with songs, dances and a parade of teams.

- Just yesterday, each of you was at your place of work – teaching, healing, cleaning bread or standing at the machine. And today you're united by sport. Over the past two years, teams have been working hard to ensure that the best representatives of 15 trade unions can adequately defend the honor of their families. I sincerely thank the hospitable Gomel region for the warm welcome, and I wish all participants of the competitions firmness of spirit, good health and honest, memorable victories!

Member of the Council of the Republic, Deputy Chairman of the Gomel Regional Executive Committee Ksenia Pantyukhova noted that it is a great honor for the region to host the jubilee intersectoral Spartakiad:

- Here are the best of the best. For four days, teams from all over the country will compete in various sports, but the purpose of this forum goes far beyond dry protocols. Its essence is unity, unity, spirit training and team approach, which are so necessary for each of us in our daily work. Enjoy this holiday and welcome to Gomel!

A pleasant and very touching surprise of the ceremony was the honoring of the participants of the Spartakiad, who celebrate their birthday on the day of the anniversary event. The birthday party was warmly congratulated on the main arena of the stadium to the applause of the stands, handing them memorable gifts from the organizers.

Ahead of the participants is a rich four-day marathon filled with the excitement of the struggle and the joy of victories. Gomel sports arenas will witness heated battles in nine disciplines: volleyball, mini-football, athletics, swimming, table tennis, weightlifting, bullet shooting, billiards and darts.