'Brotherhood Of Freedom': Belarusians And Ukrainians United in Wrocław

A music and sports festival was held in the Polish city.

The Braterstva Svabody ("Brotherhood Of Freedom"), which took place on September 29, gathered about 300 people. The organizers of the festival were Belarusian free athlete, world and European champion in sambo Stiapan Papou, Natallia Khatko, Siarhei Shabanau, Aliaksadra Kanafalskaia and Supolka Belarusau Urotslava ("Belarusian community of Wroclaw").

From the Ukrainian side — Eduard Hasparyan and Alina Parkhomenko.

The Brotherhood of Freedom started with a volleyball tournament, in which 16 teams took part. Among the players of these teams were many famous Belarusian athletes: three-time medalist of the Olympic Games in swimming Aliaksandra Herasimenia, world and European champion in sambo Stiapan Papou, ex-general manager of the national hockey team Sviataslau Kisialiou, former general director of the FC BATE Mikhail Zaleuski, multiple medalist of the world and European championships in sambo and judo Aliaksandr Vakhaviak, silver medalist of the world championships in kickboxing Ivan Hanin. The iconic Belarusian rock musician Pete Pavlov performed for one of the teams.

Stiapan Papou told Charter97.org how the idea to hold this festival came about:

"It all started a month ago when we, Belarusians, together with our Ukrainian friends decided to hold a music and sports festival. It was a group of 15 people. There was a lot of work, because everyone needs to be registered, to solve many organizational issues.

The purpose of the festival is to unite Belarusians, Ukrainians and Poles. After all, there are many people who are trying to quarrel with us, saying that 'Belarusians are like Russians'. A lot of dirt is pouring in. When you start communicating with understanding people, you realize that our peoples have a lot in common. We have one goal and one enemy, and Russia, through its people, is trying to quarrel us all. Therefore, our festival was such a first step to unite everyone. Our goal is for mature people from our three peoples — Belarusian, Ukrainian and Polish — to understand that only unity can defeat the dictatorship and help build a common future."

Stiapan Papou noted that the event was attended by the Vice-Consul of Ukraine in Wrocław:

"There were also three players from the Ukrainian consulate at the volleyball tournament. Of course, it was difficult for them to agree, because this is also a political issue. But the official Ukrainian side attended our event.

By the way, Ukrainians were very surprised with the organisational level. After all, our diaspora is much smaller, and they do such things. The Community of Belarusians in Wrocław joined it. They opened a fundraiser to cover the costs. It is still going on, anyone can support it.

101 people took part in the volleyball tournament. In each team, for example, there was a Pole, a Ukrainian, a Belarusian, somewhere young men and women together. They needed to get acquainted to play together. Therefore, each team had equal chances, which gave the spirit of the competition.

Pit Paulau also fought for every point. When the tournament ended, he still wanted to pass the competition for fourth place, so he did not want to give up.

It is inspiring that many Belarusians wrote to us asking how to help, transferred money to support us. It's nice that your work is so appreciated. Even Belarusians from Białystok came, our wrestler Aliaksandr Vakhaviak came from Germany."

Also, as part of the Brotherhood of Freedom, a meeting was held with the Belarusians of Wrocław. Editor-in-chief of Charter97.org Natallia Radzina, three-time Olympic swimming medalist Aliaksandra Herasimenia, former general manager of the national hockey team Sviataslau Kisailio, former general director of the FC BATE Mikhail Zalevsky attended the discussion.

Natallia Radzina, Aliaksandra Herasimenia and one of the organizers of the festival Natallia Khatko (right) with the participants of the tournament

"Wroclaw is one of the largest centers of Belarusian emigration in Europe. The people here are amazing: they are really united, active, involved in the Belarusian movement, there are many important and good initiatives. On Sunday, the sports and music festival Brotherhood of Freedom", organized by the world champion in sambo Staipan Papou, was held in Wroclaw. Within the framework of the festival, a volleyball tournament was held, in which Belarusians and Ukrainians who were forced to emigrate took part.

On the eve of the tournament, I, along with famous Belarusian athletes, was invited to a meeting with the Belarusians of Wroclaw.

The conversation turned out to be long, but very informative and inspiring. I saw people who were not broken by difficult circumstances, for whom Belarus is important, who not only believe that changes will certainly come to their home country, but are also ready to make every effort to do so.

I was especially pleased with the lack of a typical emigrant depression among the Belarusians of Wrocław. People there are very friendly with each other, they admire their mutual support and solidarity. In this regard, they are an example for many," Natallia Radzina shared her impressions.

"I wanted to note a good organizational level. Even though the event was postponed, the guys found a place and a suitable time for the meeting. We were met right next to the train, and we had a tour in Wrocław.

There were people at the discussion who made it clear that they cared. They argued a lot, laughed a lot, expressed their opinions. Someone asked questions about sports, there were sharp questions. It left a pleasant, light and positive impression.

Communication continued at the volleyball tournament, where there was a more informal atmosphere. Everyone has already become friends there, sports events are very united, and music motivates.

I believe that such tournaments must happen. I don't know how it goes in other cities and countries, but Wrocław set an example of how it should be. A large group of people who care, who are united by the fact that they are Belarusians and retain the Belarusian national culture.

Meeting with Belarusians in Wrocław

As for the game, no one initially knew who was in which team, there was a draw. There were stronger players and weaker players, but neither team had an advantage. The weather was cold, unexpectedly for everyone, but it was quite hot at the tournament.

Also, music that added rhythm and mood, food, snacks. Regardless of your rank and status, we were all in the same conditions, it brings us together," Aliaksandra Herasimenia told Charter97.org.

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