The regional youth tourist gathering was held in the Gluboksky district

A picturesque corner of the Glubokoye region near Lake Plissa was chosen as the meeting place. Young men and women competed in contests, and in the evenings, they danced at an ethno-party and sang soulful songs around the campfire.

According to the results of the three days, the winning cup in the overall team standings went to the Vitebsk team. The Orsha district team, as in the previous 4 regional tourist rallies, took second place. According to Yuri Tribushevsky, Head of the Youth Affairs Sector of the Department of Ideological Work, Culture, and Youth Affairs of the Orsha District Executive Committee, the guys promise to make every effort to become leaders next year.

As noted by Svetlana Shornikova, chief secretary of the tourist rally, head of the tourism and sports orienteering sector of the regional palace of children and youth, all 15 teams from cities and districts of the region were very strong, so the competition at each stage of the contests was fierce. The struggle was for every point: the third place was taken by the Vitebsk district team, and the Glubokoye team was only three points behind them.

But the event, held with the aim of patriotic education, organizing leisure time, and strengthening the health of youth, began in the historical center of Glubokoye – in the square of famous countrymen. Vladimir Naslednikov, Chairman of the organizing committee of the regional tourist rally, chief specialist of the main department of ideological work, culture, and youth affairs of the regional executive committee, emphasized that this colorful prelude set the tone for the entire meeting.

– The Glubokoye region is an amazing land, the visit to which always brings unforgettable impressions, – said Vladimir Valentinovich. – Busts of renowned countrymen are installed in the city center. Such a reverent attitude towards rich history deserves sincere gratitude.

On the second day of the tourist rally, continuing the historical theme, a regional quiz "VyToki Zyamli Belaruskay" (Origins of the Belarusian Land) was held, dedicated to significant events in the lives of famous people and organizations of the region. Ten questions had to be answered in 10 minutes. The best results were shown by Vitebsk residents, ahead of the teams from Polotsk and Orsha districts.

As part of the competition in tourist and applied multi-discipline events in cycling tourism, the participants had to cover a distance of several kilometers and demonstrate their skills in figure riding. Victory in this competition went to the representatives of Vitebsk district.

The next day, participants competed in navigating obstacles on kayaks, ascending, descending, and self-guided rope crossings. In the competitions in mountain and hiking tourism, Vitebsk residents achieved an undisputed victory, ahead of their friends from Orsha.

The final challenge was a relay race with orienteering. All participants arrived at the finish line by the appointed time, but the team from Novopolotsk coped with the task better and faster. Polotsk district took second place, and Vitebsk district took third.

In the amateur talent competition, teams had to present an 8-minute "business card" on stage on the theme "Science for the Economy." Tatsiana Pratsuk, Chief Specialist of the Department of Ideological Work, Culture and Youth Affairs of the Glubokoye District Executive Committee, is confident that there has never been such a spectacular performance at the tourist rally before. The judges highly appreciated the efforts of the hosts, awarding them second place. The team from Orsha district took first place in this competition.

In the newspaper competition, victory went to the team from Vitebsk district, which managed to narrowly beat the participants from Glubokoye and Orsha districts. However, in the competition for tourist life and skills, the residents of Glubokoye topped the top three prize-winners.

– I have been participating in regional tourist gatherings since 1999, – said Vladimir Naslednikov. – I know many participants well, so I wasn't rooting for any particular team, I gladly watched every competition. We have wonderful youth, although some, in my opinion, lack tourist skills. It would be advisable to organize special courses, additional training seminars, and pay more attention to the activities of health and sports clubs.

Diana BERNIKOVICH, photos by the author. "Vitebskiye vesti".