The second stage of the roller ski track in Novopolotsk has been put into operation
During the implementation of the international project "Life in Motion" at the Novopolotsk Olympic Reserve School, the grand opening of the second stage of the roller ski track took place. 69 floodlights have been installed along the 2.5 km stretch. Modern lighting will allow for the effective use of the sports facility during dark hours.
The roller ski track, built a year ago, has become an excellent training base for Belarusian and foreign athletes, as well as a worthy venue for national and international competitions. It is one of the most challenging tracks in Belarus, featuring steep turns, descents, and ascents. The total elevation difference reaches 156 meters, with only 350 meters of flat terrain. One lap is equivalent in load to climbing a 156-meter mountain. 43,650 euros were spent on the purchase of lighting equipment, construction, installation, and commissioning works. These funds represent the first tranche of financial assistance from the European Union. In total, the EU allocated 72,000 euros to the Novopolotsk school, with an additional 7,000 euros contributed by local authorities.
Eleven partners from cities in Latvia and Belarus are participating in the international project. Their main goal is to improve the quality of life for residents of the border regions of the two countries and to enhance the attractiveness of these territories through the development of infrastructure for an active lifestyle.
The Novopolotsk Olympic Reserve School joined the cross-border cooperation project "Lithuania – Latvia - Belarus" last year. The application was approved by the European Commission, and after coordination and approval by the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Belarus, funds were allocated.
In September, luminaires were installed on poles, and an outdoor lighting control panel was set up. In October, the branch "Electromontage Directorate No. 8" of "BelElectroMontazh" performed commissioning works to connect to the power supply system, tested all devices, and adjusted their positions for maximum track illumination. All works were completed with high quality and within the established deadlines.
And on November 5, a meeting of the working group and the steering committee of the cross-border cooperation project "Life in Motion" was held in Novopolotsk. Afterwards, the guests proceeded to Borovukha, where the Olympic Reserve School is located, to participate in the celebration. To the applause of the attendees, the lighting was turned on, and demonstration races by biathletes took place. Representatives of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism and the Republican Biathlon Federation came to congratulate the residents of Novopolotsk, presenting the school with 4 small-caliber rifles and 65,200 cartridges worth 100 million rubles.
On behalf of the city authorities, the attendees were welcomed by the Chairperson of the Novopolotsk City Executive Committee, Natalya Kochanova, who presented the school's representatives with a certificate for 30 million rubles for the purchase of sports equipment.
The project work will be continued, as reported by the director of the sports institution Valery Gushchin. It is planned to expand and illuminate the biathlon shooting range, purchase a "Buran" snowmobile, and acquire ski equipment for the rental base. Specifically, 50 sets of skis and 40 pairs of Nordic walking poles will be purchased. This type of active recreation is popular in Europe, and the school has already formed its first group of 8 enthusiasts.
Anyone can use the rental services. With the introduction of the new facility, the school will expand its range of services for the public, encouraging as many citizens as possible to adopt a healthy lifestyle. The students will have the opportunity to improve their training process, as their second training session starts at 16:30, and the daylight hours are now short.
According to Deputy Director Olga Sotnikova, today 30 people are engaged in biathlon at the school, with 12 people each in cross-country skiing and race walking. The biathlon department has held the first place in the country for the third consecutive year.
Every year, 10-12 biathletes from Novopolotsk are included in the national team. Local graduate Evgeny Abramenko is currently a candidate for participation in the Olympic Games in Sochi. The improvement of the training base will undoubtedly help to consolidate success and enhance the achievements of our athletes.
Larisa Malashenya, "Vitebskiye Vesti"