“There comes a time in many people’s lives when they receive high praise for their work. Today is that moment for each of you. It is a great honor for me to present you with these well-deserved state awards on behalf of our President Aleksandr Lukashenko,” Aleksandr Turchin said.
The recipients included representatives from the manufacturing sector, tax authorities, agriculture, civil aviation, and other fields, along with civil servants.
“These are people of very different professions, but with a common approach to their work. Behind you lie many years of labor, high achievements, and a real contribution to the development of your respective industries. Such people are the foundation of any economy and welfare sector. History is written not only by dates and events. It is written by people, and through your lives and work, you are inscribing bright pages into the chronicle of sovereign Belarus," the prime minister emphasized.
Aleksandr Turchin added that no managerial decisions or government programs work without people who conscientiously do their jobs.
“By presenting these awards today, we thank you for your civic commitment, sense of duty, and relentless drive forward,” the prime minister said. Speaking for the government and himself, he offered congratulations on this milestone, certain that the honors will motivate ongoing work toward goals serving our native Belarus.
Aleksandr Turchin addressed special words of gratitude to the families of those honored. “Behind every professional there is always a strong home front, the support of relatives and loved ones. I wish you good health, new professional victories, well-being, and a peaceful blue sky,” the prime minister noted.
The Medal For Labor Merits was awarded to Vanesa Kaladzinskaya, a decorated athlete of the Republic of Belarus national freestyle wrestling team. “I come from a sports family; I am continuing the work of my parents, who are gymnastics coaches. It’s pleasing, symbolic, and important that your achievements are appreciated and remembered not only in the global sports but also here in my dear Belarus,” she said.
A multiple world and European champion and Olympic bronze medalist, she contributes to attracting young people to sports. “We conduct clinics and popularize not only our sport but also sporting life in general,” Vanesa Kaladzinskaya said. 
A letter of commendation from the president was presented to the National Center for Olympic Training in Gymnastis. The director of the institution, Grazhyna Grobitskaya, said that the center is designed for trampoline jumping, artistic gymnastics, and acrobatics and trains about 300 children. “Our institution has received a high award and this is exciting. Trampolining is one of the top sports in Belarus. Our trampoline athletes bring home gold medals; last year the girls' team brought back silver, and our acrobats won five medals from world cups. The gymnasts perform admirably. We are ready to glorify our country and are happy that the state and the president pay us a great deal of attention,” Grazhyna Grobitskaya noted.
Among those who received the award was Dmitry Chernyakov, Director of Gomel Chemical Plant. He has come a long professional way, from a repair fitter to a director. “Despite the sanctions, the plant is operating at 100% capacity. We produce import-substituting goods and complex fertilizers that are needed, first and foremost, by our agriculture. Half of our output is exported. We work with the Russian Federation and other countries. Last year we reached new frontiers and made maiden shipments to Mexico and Paraguay,” Dmitry Chernyakov said.
Yelena Semenkova, a teacher at the special needs school of Orsha District, co-author of textbooks for students with intellectual disabilities, was awarded the Medal For Labor Merits. She has worked in various positions in general secondary education and in the education department; this year she is celebrating 40 years of pedagogical activity. “Today's event is a special moment. It is honorable and responsible, as it encourages us to strive for new achievements, get charged with fresh ideas, and successfully implement them,” Yelena Semenkova noted. 
Photos by Maksim Gouchek/BelTA
