The results of the annual open competition “My friend, let’s dedicate our souls to the Fatherland with beautiful impulses” were summed up in Vitebsk

“Your face is holy and bright, poet,” these heartfelt words of the young Vitebsk resident Veronica Bondareva, like the lines of other talented authors, were heard on the eve of the day of memory of Alexander Pushkin from the stage of Vitebsk gymnasium No. 3, named after the great Russian poet.

In a solemn atmosphere, the results of the annual open competition “My friend, let us dedicate our souls to the Fatherland beautiful impulses”, organized with the support of the regional branch of the Writers' Union of Belarus, took place here. About 80 aspiring wordsmiths received diplomas for winning various categories of the poetry competition.

– This wonderful creative competition is being held for the 15th time. More than 150 works this year were presented to our competent jury,” noted the director of the gymnasium, Elena Matveeva. – I would like to express special gratitude to the chairman of the regional branch of the Union of Writers of Belarus Tamara Krasnova-Gusachenko, who has been the permanent chairman of the competition jury for 15 years and objectively evaluates each work.

The director also recalled that gymnasium No. 3 is part of the international community of educational institutions named after Alexander Pushkin. Thanks to their love for poetry, the gymnasium made many new friends in the Russian Federation, who also sent their works to the competition this year. On Friday, Vitebsk Pushkin students will receive guests from Odintsovo Lyceum No. 6 named after. A. Pushkin (Moscow region), to jointly honor the memory of the great Russian poet and share creative experience. And the guest of this event was the assistant to the honorary consul of the Russian Federation in Vitebsk Lyudmila Luneva.

“The participants in today’s literary competition are undoubtedly the creators of the modern Russian language,” the guest reminded those present. “I’m sure that an interest in words and a rich imagination will help these guys continue to express themselves in an original way and create something new.”

The Rhyme Festival took place in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Spectators enjoyed reading the winners' poems, theatrical performances by gymnasium students telling about the life of the Russian classic, as well as performances by vocal groups.

“I would like to thank each participant in the literary competition for their courage, because presenting your lines to the jury is always difficult,” summed up Andrei Pokholkin, head of the education department of the Oktyabrsky district administration of Vitebsk. – Let today’s victory become another step towards new heights for young word lovers.