A rope park and a wellness trail have appeared in Polotsk as part of the 'Belmed' project
The festival was held on the territory of the Center for Tourism and Local Lore, located in a picturesque corner on the outskirts of Polotsk. Competitions in beach volleyball, checkers and chess, kickboxing, and darts were organized for everyone.
Athletes demonstrated their skills in exhibition performances in powerlifting, crossfit, aikido, and mountain biking. In addition, master classes in Nordic walking and yoga were held, thematic platforms "Workout" and "Say NO to Smoking!" were open, and medics offered participants of the holiday to drink herbal tea, measure their blood pressure, and determine their body mass index.
The festival was the final event of the local initiative "Chasing Health!", which is being implemented within the framework of the project "Prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases, Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles and Support for the Modernization of the Healthcare System in the Republic of Belarus" ("BELMED"), funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNDP, WHO, UNICEF, and UNFPA in partnership with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus.
Participation in the project allowed Polotsk residents to significantly expand opportunities for promoting a healthy lifestyle and active recreation, and to bring the relevant infrastructure to a qualitatively new level.
Workout grounds appeared in two microdistricts of the city, and a rope park and a health trail were equipped on the territory adjacent to the building of the Department of Tourism, Local Lore and Excursions of the District Center for Children and Youth.
In addition, Nordic walking poles and skis were purchased, as well as the SportIdent electronic marking system for sports orienteering.
The total amount of funding for the initiative amounted to more than 43 thousand euros, including 10% of the funds, as required by the project, allocated by the Polotsk District Executive Committee.
– Both children and adults are delighted with our acquisitions, – said **Inha Ulosevich, Head of the Department of Tourism, Local Lore and Excursions**. – Pensioners come to engage in activities together with their grandchildren, and young people gladly celebrate holidays and birthdays in the new format.
According to Oleg Dubovik, the head of the "BELMED" project, positive changes are the best indicator of how much the initiative is in demand. Another important aspect is sustainability.
The example of Polotsk shows that the funds allocated are working, and the acquired equipment will be serviced and used for its intended purpose even after the project is completed.
In general, as noted by experts, the Vitebsk region is actively participating in projects and attracting international technical assistance funds. Within the framework of the "BELMED" project, five initiatives are currently being implemented in our region.
For instance, in the Senno district, thanks to the initiative of the local organization of the Belarusian Women's Union and the Central District Hospital "Without Wasting Time," 18 electric bicycles have been purchased for paramedics of rural outpatient clinics. As a result, the number of patients served has increased by 3-4 times, fuel savings have been achieved due to reduced ambulance calls, and the work of employees has been facilitated.
In Gorodok, the "Four Seasons of Health" initiative is being successfully implemented, in Begoml – "Territory of Active Life," and in Vitebsk – "Together Against Childhood Injuries." Noting the activity of our compatriots in seeking opportunities and resources, experts wished that the experience of the pioneers would find wide application in other regions of the province.