BSTU Rector as an Olympic Torchbearer
" Bright , festive and unforgettable! " That is how the students and faculty members of Belgorod State Technological University named after V.G. Shukhov characterized the celebration, held on January 17 in front of Ingosstrakh office (insurance company) in Belgorod. It was there that the university rector, professor Sergei GLAGOLEV went to his distance in Olympic torch relay-race.
BSTU representatives got to the place by special buses. But for the Students Council this kind of trip did not seem exciting. And all the way from "technological university" to the city center the young people wearing blue uniforms branded with the University logo was on foot.
Like all creative people the students accompanied their way with funny songs and chants like " Our Rector is a torchbearer! This is great! Come on! "
Having arrived at the venue of the ceremony , the students were equipped with bright attributes from «Coca Cola» and "Ingosstrakh" companies - the official partners of the Olympic Games organizers. Colorful flags, lanterns, balloons gave a truly festive celebration colors. However, this was not enough for the students . And they organized an impromptu airbrushing workshop.
With special paints the young people started to put symbols and inscriptions on the faces of those who wished, corresponding to the topic of the day . The most popular were miniature hearts , painted in the colors of the national flag. "We love our country , proud of it and wish our athletes to win the upcoming games ", - as amateur artists explained the increased demand for this kind of painting. .
The celebration was attended by representatives of many structural units of the Technological University. Among them – the committee for students teams, the members of which took an active part in the construction of the Olympic facilities. The whole staff of physical education department arrived for the ceremony, who have brought up a lot of talented athletes, including other torchbearers Yuri Nosulenko, Alexander Sheplyakov, Lyudmila Nuzhnikh, Eugene Poletova.
An impressive number of Belgorodians joined BSTU representatives, as they are quite aware that any action involving BSTU students and teaching staff becomes showy and spectacular. In anticipation of the ceremony, people were recalling the events of the Olympics-80, shared predictions about the level of performance of the Russian athletes during the upcoming games, and even were composing verses devoted to events of the day: "In the relay, we - together, united, So, strong and invincible! "
The appearance of a torchbearer D.S. Bezukladnikov on the road was met with cheerful applause, everyone rushing to commemorate the main symbol of the Olympics on photo and video cameras. Under a storm of applause from the audience the relayrace member followed to a specially equipped stage area. – Dream! - he appealed to Belgorodians. - Always believe in yourself and your own power. And then your dreams will certainly come true!
Then the fire of the torch was moved to the lamp. Deputy General Director of " Ingosstrakh" A.A. Sokolov addressed the spectators. He asked everyone who is not indifferent to support the Russian athletes with their warm hearts.
Belgorod show group "Exclusive" brough joy to the spectators with their art. The Artists performed several modern compositions known, a song from the past , "We believe firmly in the sports heroes ", a lyrical ode to the glory of Belgorod "Pearl of Russia ." A presenter complemented the performance with interesting facts about the current Olympic torch relay-race , which has already entered the Guinness Book of Records as the most large scale and long. It will last 123 days , and its length will make up 65,000 kilometers.
Sergey Glagolev, BSTU rector, went up to the stage, extended gratitude ХХII Olympics organizers for the trust to his becoming a torchbearer. Sergey Glagolev reminded that Belgorod State Technological University named after V.G. Shukhov makes a significant contribution into the development of sport and physical education. He appealed to the audience to commitment to healthy lifestyle – a basis to all success and achievements.
Then the rector’s torch was lit from the lamp. Under a friendly wish of the audience to have a nice way the rector started his distance. BSTU leader overcame his part of the way fast and with confidence. This was due to our rector’s good physical shape as he is fond of sports.
After the rave S. Glagolev shared his impressions: « I am happy and proud! This is an exciting and bright event, which we will never forget!»
BSTU representatives gave a high appreciation to the event. According to prof. Sergey Kramskoy, head of PE and sports department: « The event turned out to be a real and amazing festival!» Natalia Gaina, a youth specialist: « We have received an immense and positive charge. Such adrenaline!»
Generally the event was a success. Let the emotions stay in the hearts of Belgorodians for long and inspire for new impressive achievements in sport, creation and science
Irina Doronkina
Photo by Olesya Kluchevskaya