OJSC SvetlogorskKhimvolokno, with the support of the Svetlogorsk District Executive Committee, the district organization of the Belarusian Peace Fund public association, and the newspaper Svetlahorskiya Naviny, held a bike quest “Along the Roads of My Hometown – 2026” on September 20. The event was held for the second time and was timed to coincide with People's Unity Day and the International Day of Peace.

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The memorial sign “Brotherhood of Four Fleets” on the Berezina embankment became one of the locations of the bike quest.

More than 70 people of different ages took part in the ride. At the starting area near the city Culture Center, 16 teams lined up from OJSC SvetlogorskKhimvolokno, the Serebryanye Klyuchi sanatorium, OJSC Svetlogorsk Pulp and Paperboard Mill, the Svetlogorskvodokanal branch, the children's art school, the territorial center for social services, and the district executive committee's education department. The initiative was supported by medical workers, law enforcement officers, and bloggers. There was also a separate team of city residents. Many came with their whole families – with children and even pets. One cute poodle was spotted on the route. It covered the entire distance, about 17 km, together with its owner, albeit in a bike basket.

After registration, the opening ceremony, and a pre-race briefing on traffic rules, the teams set off along a route that connected the landmarks and places significant to every Svetlogorsk resident. They were given 2.5 hours to cover the distance and complete 17 tasks. Participants had to not only pedal quickly, but also show ingenuity, resourcefulness, the ability to work in a team, and knowledge of the history of their hometown.

On bicycles and in high spirits

Everyone demonstrated the will to win, excellent athletic and intellectual results, but the team that completed the challenges first and returned to the finish line in full force won. According to the results of the bike quest, first place went to “Shtorm” from TsVKNiOSV of OJSC SvetlogorskKhimvolokno. Second place went to the “Barbariki” team, which consisted of city residents, and third to “Fundament” from UE SvetlogorskKhimService. The winners and prize-winners were awarded diplomas and cash certificates. Participants got a boost of energy, great mood, and, of course, sweet treats.

Denis Naumenkov, Deputy Director for Ideological Work of the Company

For the second time we are inviting all residents of Svetlogorsk to take part. Our town, though young, has plenty of iconic places, and every year there are more of them, so the route is never repeated. We are glad that the project is becoming increasingly popular and that the number of people wishing to join our initiative is growing. Last year the bike quest brought together eight teams, and this year already 16. This shows that people are interested in the history of their hometown, 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 one big and friendly family, to see how beautiful the native land is, and to prove that the participants can handle any road.

The route tested the endurance and ingenuity of Svetlogorsk residents

Elena Shishkova, chief editor of the newspaper "Svetlagorskiya Naviny", deputy of the district Council of Deputies, and chairwoman of the district organization of the public association "Belarusian Peace Fund", wished every participant easy starts and good impressions, noted that the bike quest is dedicated to two significant dates: the youngest state holiday – 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 Svetlogorsk residents for supporting the ideas of peace and goodness.

A four-legged participant in the race

For OJSC SvetlogorskKhimvolokno, the bike quest is not a one-off event, but part of a large systematic effort. The enterprise lives a rich public life and has enormous experience in organizing cultural and sporting events. One striking example is the open forum of working youth "Know Your Land!", dedicated to the formation of Belarusian statehood. Thanks to the Svetlogorsk chemists, it has been successfully held in the city three times and won in the "Idea of the Year" category at the regional review competition for the best organization of ideological work in the labor collectives of the Gomel region based on the results of 2025.

Selfie on the spot – and onward

For the company's team, a Sports Festival is held annually; last year, the Young Specialist Day was reformatted. Now it is not just a meeting with the company's management, but a full immersion into the processes taking place at OAO SvetlogorskKhimvolokno. Today, young specialists make up about 20% of the workforce. While seven young specialists arrived in 2024, and more than 70 last year, this year there are over 100. And most importantly, no one is in a hurry to leave after completing their mandatory work period. The reason for this retention, the company is confident, is obvious: decent wages, working and leisure conditions, social guarantees, and a rich social life. All this together makes OAO SvetlogorskKhimvolokno attractive to young people.

The will to win and team spirit

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