The 18th National Sports Games for schoolchildren are taking place in the country from June 12 to 21. The large-scale sporting event of the year is held by the Ministry of Education jointly with the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, as well as the Grodno Regional Executive Committee. The program includes competitions in 16 sports. 14 of them are Olympic and 2 non-Olympic (checkers and chess).

The Grodno oblast took on the role of the hospitable MC of large-scale and long-awaited competitions for young athletes. Summer sports competitions are held at 13 venues in Grodno and Lida.

The opening ceremony is today at 15.00 at the Ice Sports Palace in Grodno. It will be attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, the leadership of the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, the National Olympic Committee, and the Grodno Regional Executive Committee.

As part of the sports festival, a ceremonial parade of teams of athletes from six oblasts of the country and Minsk will take place. Participants and guests will also enjoy a festive concert with the participation of both famous artists and beginners from children's and youth creative groups.

The competition is carried out in several stages. First is a battle in institutions of general secondary, sports and additional education. Second is on the district level. Third - in the oblasts and Minsk. And then – the finale among national teams. The main panel of judges for the Games will be headed by the Honored Master of Sports of Belarus, two-time world champion and Olympic medalist in hammer throw, Chairman of the Belarusian Athletics Federation Ivan Tikhon.

Belarus has been focusing on the development of physical culture and sports among children, youth and adults for the past 30 years. State support is essential in this regard. After all, the younger generation should not only be comprehensively developed, but also lead a healthy lifestyle. From year to year, the necessary infrastructure is being developed in the country. New facilities for professional and mass sports open their doors and outdated facilities undergo reconstruction. Sports schools purchase modern equipment.

Who will win this year? We will find out on June 21 at the closing ceremony. It will take place in the Zhilibert Park in Grodno. The winners will be awarded commemorative medals, diplomas and personal prizes. Based on the results of the competition, we will definitely find out which district is to become the host in 2025.

We wish all participants health, fair competition and invite you to support our young athletes!