Belarusian delegation receive congratulations on their Independence Day

Games participants gathered in the evening to congratulate the representatives of the Belarusian delegation on their major national holiday. In honour of the 'heroes of the occasion', the anthem of the Republic of Belarus was played. Despite the fact that the participants from Belarus at the Games were very few at this event (athletes start arriving in Kazan today), they so impressively sang their anthem, that all those present felt remarkably elated.

“Independence Day is a popular and beloved holiday in Belarus,” said Valentina Balyabo, head of the delegation of the Republic of Belarus. “In 2013, we are celebrating this holiday for the twentieth time.”

“It is significant that in Minsk and other Belarusian cities, this holiday is becoming increasingly less formal, and more cultural and sports oriented,” said Valentina Balyabo. “Mass relay races, parades, and pageants are organised. Thus, today, 800 students in the capital are performing demonstrative exercises all at the same time. And our sports star today, on this very day, left for Kazan. “

The head of the Belarusian delegation received as a gift for all Belarusian athletes, the Tatar national dish chak-chak, decorated with symbols of the national flag of their native country.

Loud applause from all guests came after the performance of the dance ensemble Zhemchuzhinka. Athletes also wanted to dance along with the performers, who danced in national Belarusian costumes to the folk song Barynya-sudarynya.