News & Events in Belarus

Lukashenko announces Unity Marathon

An archive photo

MINSK, 17 September (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko announced the launch of the Unity Marathon at a ceremony to mark the Day of People’s Unity at Minsk Arena on 17 September, BelTA has learned.

“Shaped by the talent and hard work of many outstanding sons and daughters of the Belarusian land, our unique culture has long become an integral part of the common heritage of all humankind,” the head of state said. Yet, there are more and more attempts to cancel or remove it from the agenda along with the symbols of the Motherland, a thousand-year history and everything that Belarusians are proud of.

“Perhaps the reason for this is our unwavering commitment to the traditions of our ancestors and the fact that we are different from the West. They have long been accustomed to generalizations and extensions. This led to the forceful imposition of Western values on other nations and the destruction of cultural diversity of the planet,” the president stated.

Aleksandr Lukashenko emphasized that in the face of attempts to sow discord and hatred in Belarusian society, it is necessary to demonstrate harmony and commonality of spiritual traditions and the historical destiny of the people.

It is symbolic that the president announced the start of the all-Belarusian campaign Unity Marathon on the Day of People’s Unity. This marathon will highlight the trinity of traditions: national culture that we carefully preserve and promote, talents of our people that the Belarusian land is famous for and the beauty of the Slavic soul that helps promote harmony and mutual understanding in the world,” said the head of state. According to Aleksandr Lukashenko, this will give everyone the opportunity to see how talented Belarusian people are and to experience the great diversity of national culture. “Let the bright colors and melodies of creativity in all corners of the country awaken love for homeland in the hearts of Belarusians,” the president added.

“This is a guarantee of a decent future for our people and this is also the sacred duty of our contemporaries. This principle should underpin the life in a family of patriots and hard workers, whose name is Belarus,” the head of state said. “Let's love, be friends, dream, work and spend free time together in the Belarusian way! Let's cherish and protect Belarus! This is what our ancestors bequeathed to us, this is what we are telling our descendants. We are saying this because time has chosen us!”

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