The Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee team won at the Vitebsk Ski Race-2018 in Gorodok

Representatives of state authorities, law enforcement agencies, enterprises and organizations, physical culture and sports clubs, students and residents of the region took part in the main competitive stage – the ski relay race. As in previous years, the team of the regional executive committee confidently won, which included Chairman Nikolai Sherstnev, head of the Pervomaisky district administration Nikolai Orlov, Chairman of the Committee for Labor, Employment and Social Protection of the Regional Executive Committee Alexander Khristoforov, chief specialist of the tourism sector of the Department of Sports and Tourism of the Regional Executive Committee Olga Fedorova. It should be noted that this same team became the winner of the republican competition "Minsk Ski Track" just over two weeks ago.

-- Much has been done in recent years for the development of sports in the region, and we are already reaping the rewards of this work: last year, athletes from the region won 136 medals at official international competitions – this is the best indicator in the republic. The performance of Irina Krivko, a student of the Senno biathlon school, at the Olympic Games in Pyeongchang was triumphant – our countrywoman became the owner of a gold medal, -- Nikolai Nikolaevich emphasized in a conversation with journalists. -- We will continue to create and update the material and technical base: this year alone, we will complete the construction of sports and recreation complexes with swimming pools in Liozno and Verkhnedvinsk, and in the autumn we will open a hall for trampoline sports – this will be a wonderful facility for athletes of all ages, where both future champions and elite masters – conquerors of world-class heights – will be able to train. In addition, we will build sports grounds in each district, install outdoor simulators, and equip halls for physical education classes in schools, secondary vocational and higher education institutions. Further development is necessary, because sport shapes a strong character, and tomorrow this athlete will be a head of an enterprise, a qualified specialist, thus, we are moving towards victories not only in sports, but also in the labor field.

Last week, the Vitebsk region team won the Belarusian Biathlon Federation Cup. Young men and women of various ages participated in the competition, with the youngest group showing a weaker performance. Nikolay Sherstnev noted the need to improve the training of young athletes. To this end, on Nikolay Nikolayevich's initiative, large-scale regional children's competitions will be held in two weeks.

Excellent conditions for winter sports have been created in the Vitebsk region. By the way, the city executive committee team prepared for the competition at the Vitebsk State College of the Olympic Reserve, which also has a good track. Vladimir Beleevich, who participated in the relay, emphasized in a conversation with journalists that significant attention is paid to a healthy lifestyle in the regional center – mass sports festivals are regularly held, and it is becoming a tradition for leaders at all levels to attract people to mass sports by personal example.

By the way, the roller ski track in Gorodok recently acquired a shooting range with targets – an essential attribute for training biathletes.

-- Various competitions are held on the track every weekend. Training sessions take place on weekdays. By the way, this place has become popular outside the district – our hotel is full of guests, -- said the Chairman of the Gorodok District Executive Committee, Petr Korobach. – Over the year, the district has acquired a sports and recreation complex with a swimming pool, a climbing wall, and a modern workout area – residents have the opportunity to improve their physical fitness and health.

And although the main focus of "Vitebsk Ski Track-2018" was not athletic achievements but participation, the competitive aspect was not canceled – the Vitebsk Regional Executive Committee team celebrated victory in the first race, followed by the administration of Pervomaisky District on the podium, with representatives of the Orsha District Executive Committee closing the top three leaders. In the second race, the victory went to the team representing the district executive committee, with the teams from the districts taking second and third places, respectively. Among the law enforcement agencies, the team won, the "silver" went to the team, and the representatives took third place.

The holiday program included not only ski relays and individual races but also competitions in kettlebell lifting, chess, checkers, darts, tug-of-war, mini-football, arm wrestling, and the "Snow Fun" winter relay, in which over a thousand residents of the Vitebsk region participated. Everyone could prove themselves in the sport they preferred. Competitions for snow and ice sculptures were also held.

The attention of the holiday guests was drawn to the exhibition of military and fire-fighting equipment, organized by the 103rd Separate Guards Airborne Brigade and the Vitebsk Regional Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations. The paratroopers demonstrated their skills in handling cold and firearms.

Traditional winter fun was not forgotten: ice skating and tubing down hills. There were also those who wished to ride an unusual sleigh carousel on the lake ice. Also on this day, at the site next to the ski-roller track, guests of the holiday were treated to soldier's porridge and tea from field kitchens. One could taste Belarusian national cuisine and take a short break at the catering and trade enterprise sites.

Dance groups from the region created a festive atmosphere throughout the day.

"Vitbichi". Photo by "Vitbichi" newspaper and "Vitebskiye Vesti" newspaper .