Stsipan Papou: The Most Important Value Is Human Life and Freedom

The World and European Sambo Champion posted a letter of resignation.

World and European Sambo champion, gold medalist of the European Games Stsipan Papou posted a letter about his dismissal on his Instagram page.

"Now is a unique historical time in our country, when someone can dramatically move up the career ladder and get the position he dreamed of. Some lose a favorite job, to which they have devoted most of their lives.

So, I met the fate of an honest Belarusian who is not silent! A few months ago, I was almost an ideal athlete for officials from the ministry. I was honored to carry the fire of the European Games on the main stage of Minsk. Various awards and events... There were plans for the development of sports in Belarus. But it happened that after all these terrible events in our country, they immediately tried to make me a traitor to my sport and team. And then these same officials threw mud at me in the press, tried to humiliate my honor and dignity, pressed me in the office of my own gym.

And some, as it seemed to me, my teammates openly told me in my face that, because of people like me, they would have problems. Checking training sessions, lowering salaries are like a death sentence for sambo as a sport. Attempts to put labels on me, like that I made up something very sweet for myself, that someone promised me something, and, therefore, I don't give a damn about everyone. Although recently, almost each of them showed on their social networks and openly said that they could not believe in such horrors such as this deception about 80%, violence; almost everyone was in shock.

But when it came to being honest with ourselves, there were not many such guys in our team. But it's good that they exist, and I really appreciate it.

Also, those who just disappeared from my life appeared again. The rest began to train as before and live a normal life, prepare for the competition, forgetting about violence, deception, and cruelty.

What are medals and titles in general for? The regime today does not need your medals or titles, do not flatter yourself. This has been proven over the past three months. In a short time, the merits and names of Belarusian sports legends were devalued, who simply did not remain silent. They only need submissive, silent, and nodding supporters who support what they are told only. So the medals that you earn now are a piece of iron on your neck and a piece of bread that this regime will give you for it. And they will certainly take away this bread whenever they want to. It is the easiest thing to do with the silent ones.

Today, you can lose a more valuable thing in an instant - your authority and reputation in the eyes of the people who were deceived, offended, beaten, who do not see justice and whom the authorities want to bring to their knees!

The emergence of a pro-government letter for the regimes is an attempt to drag out a little more time and knock the focus off the main problems. Still, many took it too seriously and began to actively show that they are the most devoted supporters of this regime. It will do nothing except for the loss of the signers' valuable authority and causing discord in the athletes' ranks.

I will not discuss the signatories. I am glad that, in general, I did not find anyone unexpected for myself there.

All this will definitely end, and much will be forgotten. You can't get away from this. If I were them, I would be ashamed to look into the eyes of people who have suffered and needed solidarity and support. But, at that moment, the athletes were looking for an excuse for themselves and, as it seemed to them, for their more important affairs.

Now is the very time when such people show their nature in full power. You don't need a lot of talent and intelligence for this. It is enough to be able to perform and be able to walk over people's heads. These people have now got what they dreamed of.

I do not want to be a fortuneteller, but I will only say what I feel and think. The joy of these people will not last long. All the same, you can't stay in a place where you are not supposed to be.

As for me, I have stepped out of my comfort zone many times. And every time, it was the stimulus for my growth. Spiritual, mental, or financial. It is important for me to stay honest with myself.

When there is no burden of conscience on your soul, life itself will show you the way. Thanks to everyone who is there for me in difficult times and thanks to those whose blows made me stronger. There are people who did not make a deal with their conscience, stood up for people like me, and lost their positions; they have great respect. But there are those who say that they are with you but do nothing. Let me remind you that a lot of cool specialists were fired for their civil position, who worked hard and pulled our sport on their shoulders. Those who are placed instead of them only want to receive, command, and demand. You can't force someone to love you!" - wrote Stsipan Papou.