GOMEL, 1 April (BelTA) - A friendly match of young hockey players of Belarusian Gomel Oblast and Russia's Bryansk Oblast to mark the Day of Unity of the Peoples of Russia and Belarus kicked off in Gomel, BelTA has learned.
At the opening of the tournament, Gomel Oblast Governor Ivan Krupko wished the athletes great spirits and high achievements: "Let this tournament add to your experience and may it become traditional."
Governor of Bryansk Oblast Alexander Bogomaz noted that hockey unites people and wished the participants to have fun.
The stands were packed up to the rafters. Hockey fans waved the flags of the two states and clapped giant palms.
The governors dropped the puck for the ceremonial face off and were given sticks and pucks as a memento.
The team of Zhlobin took on peers from Bryansk in the first match of the tournament.
The final of the tournament will be held on the arena of the Ice Palace on 4 April.
