MINISTRY OF EDUCATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

From July 12 to July 17, one of the largest educational projects, the Tourist Gathering of Students of the Union State, takes place on the territory of the Yunost sports and recreation center in the Ostrovsky district of the Pskov region of the Russian Federation.

The glorious Pskov land once again hosts a significant event, where the heroic past of grandfathers and great-grandfathers is passed down from generation to generation, where they honor and preserve the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War.

It is significant that it was in the Pskov region in July 2007 that the first tourist meeting of students of the Union State took place.

The key direction of the educational project is the development of youth tourism, the joint organization of tourist and sports activities for students of the Republic of Belarus and the Russian Federation, the study and popularization of the historical and cultural heritage, natural and tourist potential of the two countries.

Seven teams from the Republic of Belarus and twenty-eight teams from the Russian Federation participate in the Meeting. The total number of participants is 522 people. These are the winners of regional tourist rallies and competitions. Each team consists of ten students from 14 to 17 years old.

Andrey Ivanets in his greeting address to the participants and organizers of the tourist gathering of students of the Union State noted: “The annual holding of this truly significant event preserves and deepens the old and wonderful traditions of the fraternal peoples, it allows us to develop tourism and local history work and solve the most important tasks of civic and patriotic education of the younger generation. I am convinced that this rally will become another bright, memorable page in the history of holding events for students of the Union State, it will give the joy of comradely communication with peers from various parts of Russia and Belarus, and will help to find new true and reliable friends.”

Yesterday in Pskov, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a commemorative action was organized. During the ceremony, servicemen of the Pskov Territorial Garrison laid a garland of military glory at the monument and officials and representatives of the tourist rally teams laid flowers as well. A moment of silence took place in memory of the victims of fascist aggression.

The main events start today. As part of the rally, the children will take part in orienteering competitions, in the “Sportivnaya Orbita” walking relay race, the “ZaBeg” competition, and the “Dvizhenie - zhisn” control and tourist route.

Various competitions are organized in the program, including: the presentation of the teams “Souz dobra”, “Touristskie Navyki”, competitions of local historians and tourist newspapers “Symphony of Creativity”.

Master classes for students in various areas will take place at the site, and a meeting with representatives of search teams is expected.

The winners and prize-winners of the competitions and contests of the rally will receive diplomas, cups, memorable prizes and medals. In addition, all participants of the tour will receive certificates.