Republican Universiade and Spartakiad of Colleges started in Minsk

Sport, excitement and team spirit. The republican Universiade and the Spartakiad of colleges started in Minsk. On the first results and mood of the participants – report ONT.

Emilia Isayeva, correspondent: Every city has its own rhythm. And Minsk is in sports today! I've been on the move since morning. Here, at the Sports Palace, by tradition, young people from all over the country. Hundreds of participants. Dozens of teams. Set your mind up for a day of combat. Then the result will be decided.

The Universiade is not the first year, and every time it gathers teams from all over Belarus. This season, the format has been updated - the competitions were combined with Spartakiada - here and college students. On the site - future doctors, teachers, farmers and technologists. Here they forget about lectures and tests, only sports emotions.

In the youth capital - youth sports! Skateboarding, streetball, roller sports, BMX and dragbots. Classes for every taste, pace and character. Those who are older give an example. On the same wavelength with students, representatives of the Government and leading departments of the country. Here all are united, because sport is subject to all ages.

Natalia Petkevich, Deputy Prime Minister of Belarus: I really want student sports to become such a truly unifying mass force. To do that, I think students need to understand that this is important to everyone. From leaders, rectors, regional leadership and so on. That's why we're all together today. Non-educational ministers were on the water. Someone was running. This unity of emotions, the unity of challenge, this teamwork, this challenge to overcome yourself.

Alexander Dorokhovich, First Deputy Minister of Sport of Belarus: We need young people to be active and proactive. It's sport that helps you be that way. Well, of course, it helps to work in a team, helps to solve certain tasks in a coordinated manner. Therefore, the more we play sports, the more I am sure that young people will be healthier, the nation will be healthy, and we will understand that we have someone to rely on.

The program is rich: master classes, performances and battles. And while some are just preparing for their starts, others are already receiving medals. The absolute champion of the Universiade 25/26 is the University of Physical Education. The university has long set a trend for the country. The best teams are on the pedestal. There are trophies in the hands, and behind the shoulders there is a whole season of struggle. Here summed up the results of the last school year.

Mikhail Lustenkov, Rector of the Belarusian-Russian University: We won the third largest group of universities. It's incredibly welcome. We think we should repeat the result. Sport is life, no matter how banal it may sound. No sports, no life. Sport is a movement, it is a positive emotion. Well, that's a good result.

And while the program is only gaining momentum, the venues are already hot. It’s not just about the weather (this weekend). The excitement, the emotions and the struggle – all to show their maximum.