JSC SvetlogorskHimvolokno, with the support of the Svetlogorsk District Executive Committee, the district organization of the Belarusian Peace Foundation, and the Svetlahorskiya Naviny newspaper, held a bike quest called "Along the Roads of Our Native City-2026" on September 20. The event was held for the second time and was timed to coincide with the Day of People's Unity and the International Day of Peace.

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The memorial sign "Brotherhood of the Four Fleets" on the Berezina embankment was one of the locations of the bike quest.

More than 70 people of different ages took part in the competition. On the starting line near the city's Center of Culture, 16 teams from JSC SvetlogorskHimvolokno, the Serебряные Ключи sanatorium, JSC Svetlogorsk CKK, the SvetlogorskVodokanal branch, the children's art school, the territorial center for social services, and the education department of the district executive committee lined up. Medical workers, law enforcement officers, and bloggers also supported the initiative. There was even a separate team from the city's residents. Many came with their families, including children and even pets. A cute poodle was spotted on the route, which covered a distance of about 17 km together with its owner, albeit in a bike basket.

After registration, the official opening, and a pre-start briefing on traffic rules, the teams set off along the route, which connected the city's landmarks and iconic places for every Svetlogorsk resident. The participants had 2.5 hours to complete the distance and 17 tasks. They needed to not only pedal quickly but also show ingenuity, resourcefulness, teamwork, and knowledge of their native city's history.

On bicycles and with a good mood, all participants demonstrated their will to win, excellent sports and intellectual results, but the winning team was the one that completed the challenges and returned to the finish line in full composition the fastest. According to the results of the bike quest, the first place was taken by the "Storm" team of the CVKNiOS of JSC SvetlogorskHimvolokno. The second place went to the "Barbariki" team, which consisted of city residents, and the third place went to the "Fundament" team of the UP SvetlogorskHimServis. The winners and prize-winners were awarded diplomas and cash certificates. The participants received a charge of cheerfulness, excellent mood, and, of course, sweet treats.

Deputy Director for Ideological Work of the Society Denis Naumenkov

– For the second time, we invite all residents of Svetlogorsk to participate. Our city is young, but it has enough iconic places, and every year their number grows, so the route is not repeated. We are glad that the project is becoming increasingly popular, and the number of people willing to join our initiative is growing. Last year, the bike quest gathered eight teams, and this year there are already 16. This indicates that people are interested in the history of their native city, lead a healthy lifestyle, and value live communication, – emphasized Denis Naumenkov, Deputy Director for Ideological Work of the Society.

He also added that the bike quest "Roads of the Native City" is not just a competition, but an opportunity to feel part of a large and friendly family, to see how beautiful the native land is, and to prove that participants can handle any roads.

The route tested the endurance and ingenuity of Svetlogorsk residents

The editor-in-chief of the newspaper "Svetlahorskiya Naviny", deputy of the district Council of Deputies, chairman of the district organization of the NGO "Belarusian Peace Fund" Elena Shishkova wished each participant easy starts and good impressions, noting that the bike quest is dedicated to two significant dates: the youngest state holiday – the Day of People's Unity – and the International Day of Peace. She also reminded that this year marks the 65th anniversary of the Belarusian Peace Fund, and thanked the residents of Svetlogorsk for supporting the ideas of peace and kindness.

A four-legged participant of the race

For OAO "SvetlogorskKhimvolokno", the bike quest is not a one-time action, but part of a large systematic work. The enterprise lives an intense public life, has vast experience in organizing cultural, mass, and sports events. One of the bright examples is the open forum of working youth "Know Your Land!", dedicated to the formation of Belarusian statehood. With the light hand of Svetlogorsk chemists, it has successfully taken place in the city three times and won in the nomination "Idea of the Year" at the regional review competition for the best organization of ideological work in labor collectives of Gomel region for 2025.

A selfie from the spot – and further on the way

For the collective of the Society, the "Sports Festival" is held annually, and last year the "Day of the Young Specialist" was reformatted here. Now it's not just a meeting with the enterprise management, but a comprehensive immersion in the processes that take place at OAO SvetlogorskKhimmvolokno. Today, young specialists make up about 20% of the collective. If in 2024, seven young specialists arrived here, and over 70 last year, then this year there are over 100. And most importantly, no one is in a hurry to leave after completing their work. The reason for the stability, the Society is convinced, is obvious: decent wages, working conditions and rest, social guarantees, and a rich social life. All this together makes OAO SvetlogorskKhimmvolokno an attractive place for young people.

The will to win and team spirit

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