By Sergey Smirnov
The Children Draw Hockey contest invited Belarusian youngsters to help promote the sport, as well as healthy living and a sense of patriotism, explains Lilia Ananich, the First Deputy Minister for Information, who chaired the jury for the competition. Children were asked to think of how we are preparing for the forthcoming championship, with the best works to be exhibited in fan-zones during the competition. The best 20 will also be made in commemorative cards, with information on Belarusian hockey players on the reverse.
In total, 452 drawings were submitted for the competition, from all regions of Belarus. Drawings and paintings were created in watercolour, gouache, oils, ink, coloured pencils and pastels. The competition was judged in two age categories: 7-11 and 12-16. On Ice, by Polina Moiseenko, from the Krichev children’s school of fine arts, won the younger age group, while Inga Aderikho, from the Vytoki national fine art studio, in Slutsk, took first place among older pupils with her I Believe in You, Hockey Players of Belarus!
Jury member Vitaly Ortyukh, who designed the Ice Hockey World Championship ‘Volat’ mascot, tells us, “Some pictures grab your attention immediately and inspire you to look closer. However, the first impression is the most important. All the pictures submitted bore a strong message, and a lot of energy, making it very difficult to choose our winners.”
