In terms of the number of medals at international competitions, the Vitebsk region took second place in the country
The Vitebsk region can rightfully be proud of the traditions of the physical culture and sports movement, and the successes of our compatriots on the world stage. The material and technical base of the industry is dynamically developing both in the regional center and in the districts. This allows not only to nurture future Olympians but also to host prestigious competitions, including international ones.
In the region, 43 sports are cultivated in specialized educational and sports institutions at the expense of budget funds. About 21.7 thousand people are engaged in sports schools under the guidance of 1070 coaches and instructors.
– Athletes from the Vitebsk region won 136 medals at official international competitions last year, including 59 gold. This is the second result in the country after the capital, — said Vasily Zakharevich, Head of the Sports and Tourism Department of the Regional Executive Committee. — In 2018, representatives of the region climbed the podium 33 times. Trampolinists, weightlifters, track and field athletes, water skiers, wrestlers, and paralympic athletes make the greatest contribution to achievements at the world level.
The results of the fruitful work of the coaching and teaching staff and the high achievements shown have been recognized at the state level. For a significant personal contribution to the development of elite sports, the honorary title "Honored Coach of the Republic of Belarus" was awarded to Vasily Shulikin and Viktor Stremyakov, and "Honored Master of Sports of the Republic of Belarus" to Irina Krivko.
Olga Vlasova and Violetta Skvortsova were awarded the Special Prize of the President of the Republic of Belarus "Belarusian Sports Olympus".
Daniel Mukete and Irina Krivko became laureates of the "Person of the Year of the Vitebsk Region" award. 22 athletes and two promising young coaches became scholarship holders of the Presidential Sports Club.
At the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, the first gold medal in the history of the region in the women's biathlon relay was won by our compatriot Irina Krivko, and Vitaly Mikhailov took seventh place in the mass start speed skating event.
270 thousand people, or 22.9% of the total population, are involved in organized physical culture and sports activities in the Vitebsk region. The number of physical culture, health, and sports events, as well as their participants, is growing annually.
The development of mass sports work in the region is facilitated by the continuous improvement of the material and technical base. In the past year alone, the "Yunost" sports and recreation complex with a swimming pool in Ushachi, a swimming pool in Gorodok, the stadium of the Vitebsk State Technological University, an athletics arena at the stadium of the FK "Vitebsk" sports complex, and multi-purpose sports grounds with modern artificial turf in Dubrovno and Senno were commissioned.
The construction of a specialized trampoline hall has begun in Vitebsk. A new sports and recreation complex will also soon appear in Verkhnedvinsk and a cultural and health complex in Liozno (both with swimming pools).
— Huge efforts are being made to increase the efficiency of physical culture and sports facilities. Their occupancy, taking into account the capacity, is 85.9%, — reported Vasily Alekseevich. — In 2017, revenues from extra-budgetary activities amounted to about 6.7 million rubles.
By the order of the chairman of the regional executive committee, Nikolai Sherstnev, in order to attract the population to physical activities and ensure convenient access to necessary equipment, exercise machines are being installed in courtyards throughout the region.
They have appeared not only in Vitebsk but also in many districts. Winter sports enthusiasts also have the opportunity to actively spend their leisure time. For example, 75 rental points for skis, sleds, and skates were operational during the past season.
Traditionally, inter-industry and intra-industry year-round trade union sports games and sports festivals are held. For example, the regional "Rural Games" competition, which is held annually, has been resumed. Sports facilities have also been opened at major enterprises and organizations. Thus, in 2017, after major repairs, the sports complexes of OJSC "VZR D "Monolit" and RUP "Vitebskenergo" resumed their work, and in the coming days, the sports complex of SOOO "Marko" will open its doors for healthy lifestyle enthusiasts.
Within the framework of the State Program "Prevention of Disability and Rehabilitation of Disabled Persons," 44 health groups have been created for people with disabilities. In 2017, 225 various competitions were held for this category of citizens.
The national team of Belarus in parasports includes 56 athletes from the Vitebsk region. They have repeatedly won awards on the international stage. For example, at the XXII Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, Svetlana Sakhanenko won three gold and one bronze medal, and Lidiya Grafeeva won two bronzes.