The grand opening of the first Russian-Ossetian youth Forum took place at the Kosta Khetagurov State Drama Theater. The Forum began with a video about the project participants and a laser show about the history of the people of South Ossetia.
The state song and dance group "Simd" pleased the guests with its colorful performance - the national color and high professionalism of the group caused a lot of positive emotions, after which the Vice-Chairman of the Committee on Youth Policy, Sport and Tourism, director of the Forum Valentina Gatikoeva addressed the youth.
"Our forum has started. You probably got to know each other on excursions, educational platforms. Let these days be the starting point for changing for the better, let new projects and ideas start, the implementation of which will help the development of our Republic. Many of you will find friends, find like-minded people. Most importantly, remember that our strength is in unity, "she appealed to the youth.
Culture Minister Zhanna Zaseseeva congratulated the young people on the opening of the Forum and read out a welcome address of President Anatoly Bibilov.
The head of state wished the Forum participants to usefully spend time and apply the knowledge gained in further professional and social activities.
"Our brotherly countries really need your knowledge and modern approaches to solving problems, your civic activity, a sense of responsibility and a desire to make a personal contribution to creating a better society. I am sure that everyone in this Forum will be able to find partners for joint projects, will get friends, will receive new knowledge, and will simply rejoice in the atmosphere of goodwill, understanding and constructive creation, "the Minister quoted the President’s message.
Congratulations and good luck to the participants of the Forum were also heard from Prime Minister Eric Pukhaev.
On the same evening, the South Ossetia national football team was honored on the stage, which for the first time in history became the European champion according to the ConIFA version. The audience met the champions with thunderous applause.
Eric Pukhaev welcomed the athletes and said that he was pleased to congratulate the team of South Ossetia with a brilliant victory.
“The championship showed that sport is out of politics, that there are states that FIFA does not recognize, but who simply want to play beautiful football,” said Pukhaev.
The Chairman of the government handed over money awards to the team members, stressing that the head of state had entrusted this honorable mission to him.
The Russian Ambassador to South Ossetia, Marat Kulakhmetov, also congratulated the participants of the event, wishing good luck at the Forum and interesting impressions.
At the end of the evening, North Ossetian performers Jah-Far & ManTan sang for the Forum participants.
After the opening ceremony of the Forum, they were shown the film by Grigory Mamiev "Iron Vendée" and "Farastai Iuma".
Evgeny Gylkin, a participant from the Stavropol Territory, shared his impressions of the forum in the commentary to IA "Res".
“Everything is great, everyone is happy, cheerful. There are very friendly people here. Having been on excursions, it’s like taking a step into a story where tragic events took place. You are a strong people, you survived and started to smile again, ,” said the participant.
Valery Berzenia from the Republic of Abkhazia noted that he was glad to participate in the Forum.
“Everything is fine; the cultural program was incredible. We visited the museum and cultural monuments. I am from Abkhazia and in my heart understand and realize everything that happened here,” he said.
The Russian-Ossetian youth Forum, which is taking place in the Republic for the first time, involves young people from Moscow, Lugansk and Donetsk people's republics, Abkhazia, Nagorno-Karabakh, Transnistria, South and North Ossetia.
On Thursday, round-table discussions, a briefing and a meeting with head of state Anatoly Bibilov are scheduled for the Forum participants.
