Thanks to the talents of its people, Belarus is capable of taking leading positions in the world - A. Lukashenko

May 24, Minsk /BELTA/. The support of gifted youth is a matter of state importance in Belarus and is intended for all children who have a spark of creative fire, regardless of their parents' wealth and social status. This was stated today by President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko at a meeting at the Palace of the Republic with students who are winners of international subject Olympiads, creative competitions and festivals, and laureates of the President's special funds for the support of gifted students and talented youth, BELTA was informed by the press service of the Belarusian leader. "Creating our young sovereign state, developing our own original model of development, we relied and continue to rely on the spiritual strength and creative potential of the Belarusian people, their abilities, intellect and diligence," the President said. "An inexhaustible treasury of talents is the true Belarusian wealth, the main resource thanks to which our country will sooner or later take leading positions in the world." The head of state recalled that Belarus has managed to preserve and develop an accessible network of gymnasiums and lyceums, art schools, clubs, studios and amateur groups. The Olympiad movement has become widespread. Youth достойно represents Belarus at international intellectual and creative competitions, exhibitions and contests in all forms of art. The activity of the President's special funds, which were established shortly after Alexander Lukashenko was elected President in 1994, contributes to unlocking the potential of youth. Over 15 years, more than 22,000 young people, teachers and creative groups have become laureates and scholarship holders of the presidential special funds. "Having found a talent, we do not lose sight of it, but help it reach the heights of perfection inherent in nature," noted Alexander Lukashenko. "Few countries can say that they know all their talented children by name. Belarus has created special databases of gifted and talented youth. And the demand for people listed in these databases is huge," the President emphasized. "You are given all the opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement in your favorite field. The main thing is to use them wisely, not to bury your talents in the ground aimlessly, but to successfully realize them in your homeland and for the benefit of society," noted Alexander Lukashenko. "If you want to realize yourself abroad for the benefit of your Motherland, I will not be against it either," he added. The head of state congratulated the young people on the end of the academic year and wished them health, inspiration, success in their studies, work and creativity. Alexander Lukashenko presented the young men and women with certificates, diplomas and badges of laureates of the Special Fund of the President of the Republic of Belarus for the Support of Talented Youth and the Special Fund of the President of the Republic of Belarus for the Social Support of Gifted Students and Pupils.-0-