The international freestyle wrestling tournament in memory of the hero-submariner Anatoly Ispenkov gathered more than 200 young athletes in Vitebsk (+photo)
A native of the village of Khvostovo, Shumilino district, served as the commander of the electrical division of the BCh-5 of the nuclear submarine K-278 "Komsomolets". In an emergency situation, he replaced the unconscious watch sailor at the diesel generator and, performing his duties, provided the submarine with power, which allowed part of the crew to leave it. Our countryman saved others at the cost of his own life. Those present at the opening ceremony of the competition honored the memory of the submariner with a minute of silence.
As noted by the chief referee of the tournament and its organizer Anatoly Kovalenko, a school friend of Anatoly Ispenkov, there were over 200 young athletes among the participants, representing our country, as well as Russia and Latvia. Vitebsk region was represented by the hosts, as well as athletes from Orsha, Senno, and Beshenkovichi.
On behalf of the authorities, the participants were welcomed by Vladimir Penin, Deputy Chairman of the Regional Executive Committee. He noted that physical culture and sports are among the priority areas in the social sphere development of our country. This is not only the health of the nation but also the enhancement of the state's prestige at the international level. The tournament also contributes to the development of integration processes between brotherly nations.
Gennady Egorov, Head of the Main Department of Ideological Work, Culture and Youth Affairs of the Regional Executive Committee, emphasized that the competition carries not so much a sports component as a patriotic one. And
One should not fear the hackneyed phrase that there is always room for a heroic deed in life. Every person has a moment when a choice must be made. Anatoly Ispenkov, by perishing himself, saved his fellow soldiers. This is a vivid example for our younger generation. And for the guys, the freestyle wrestling tournament is also, in a way, a life test. Therefore, it has a powerful educational significance, and also brings together neighboring peoples with a common history.
The winners received cups, and the runners-up received souvenirs, including from sponsors. The hero's sister, Zinaida Matveevna, also presented a prize herself. It is pleasing that the team victory was celebrated by the Vitebsk team, which was awarded a model of the submarine "Komsomolets". Cups for 2nd and 3rd places went to Grodno and Gomel, respectively.
Ales Byńkov. Photo by Dmitry OSIPOV. "Vitebskiye Vesti".