
MINSK, 22 December (BelTA) – President of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus Viktor Lukashenko told journalists that participation in the Our Children national charity campaign is a huge and long-lasting energy boost for him, BelTA has learned.

On 21 December representatives of the National Olympic Committee of Belarus paid a visit to the Babichi boarding school to wish Happy New Year and Merry Christmas to the kids. The children received best wishes from NOC President Viktor Lukashenko, outstanding athletes, champions and medalists of the Olympic Games. The program of the event featured Adventures in the Winter Garden, numerous funny competitions, and gifts. The Babichi boarding school received an interactive panel and a multiboard for its media class. The visitors also presented sports equipment, sweets and fruit sets.

“When you participate in such events, you really immerse yourself in a special atmosphere. It is true, we come with gifts, but in return we get more - these are emotions, positive mood, inspiration, sincerity from children. This is much more than what we bring here. We eagerly plunged into this atmosphere, recalled those cheerful old times and recharged our batteries for the whole year ahead,” Viktor Lukashenko said.

The NOC Executive Board traditionally visits social institutions in the run-up to the New Year holidays to support children left without parental care. Over the years the representatives of the Olympic movement have visited boarding schools in different parts of Belarus and presented many useful gifts to help children in their studies and sport classes.

According to Viktor Lukashenko, during New Year holidays, children all over the country get a lot of attention and receive many visitors. “However, we try to visit places that get the least visitors, no matter how far it can be. We have never regretted it. It gives you strength and inspiration to carry on. We will continue this tradition. We have been doing it for several years already and this tradition will always stay relevant,” he noted.
Traditionally the New Year's charity event Our Children runs from 15 December to 15 January. At this time, New Year's performances are organized in all regions of the country. Heads of national bodies of state administration and representatives of local authorities visit orphanages and family-type houses, hospitals, foster families and adoptive families, congratulate the children on New Year and Christmas, give presents and help them solve their problems. Public associations and other organizations join the charity campaign.