P. Gajdoš: It is important for pupils to know how to respond in emergencies, that is why I welcome defence-oriented training events
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- Date: 12.10.2018
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Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš today (12 October) opened the 1st ‘Defence Olympiadʼin the grounds of Primary School Trebečská in Topoľčany, organised for pupils of grades 8 and 9 of the local primary schools by the Topoľčany town authorities in collaboration with the SVK Army. In a statement, the Minister welcomed defence-oriented training activities aimed at raising awareness of youth about various aspects of Homeland Defence.
Peter Gajdoš, Defence Minister, said: “Over the past months we have often faced a barrage of criticism for our support to defence-oriented training activities. But the truth is that if we fail to train our children and pupils how to respond in emergencies, how to administer first aid, or what to do when a chemical attack occurs, nobody else will do that for us. And that, in essence, is why I greatly welcome this type of activity, and with the help of soldiers, I believe, it will contribute to promoting patriotism amongst youth along with increasing their interest in Homeland Defence issues. At the same time, by promoting defence-oriented training events, we are delivering on the Slovak Government Manifesto and the Slovak National Party (SNS) Manifesto.”
Juraj Soboňa, member of the Parliamentary Committee on Military Intelligence Control and Member of Parliament, said: “I hope this tradition will spread to other primary schools not only across this region but also across the whole of Slovakia.”
Peter Baláž, mayor of Topoľčany, said: “We wish to organise the ‘Defence Olympiadʼ next year as well and encourage other schools across Slovakia to get their pupils moving and see first-hand the capabilities of the Slovak Armed Forces.”
Maroš Pavlovič, initiator of the project, thanked the town authorities and the MOD for backing the project. “If defence training skills are to be demonstrated and practised, it is very important that it is done by the SVK Armed Forces – the elements specially designed for that role.”
Taking part in the ‘Defence Olympiadʼwere 16 teams, consisting of pupils of grades 8 and 9 of the local primary schools in Topoľčany, whose physical fitness was put to the test in various disciplines. The event was supported by Topoľčany-based 1st Mechanised Brigade soldiers who were visited at their base by Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš and CHOD Lt Gen Daniel Zmeko prior to the event.
Peter Gajdoš, Defence Minister, said: “Over the past months we have often faced a barrage of criticism for our support to defence-oriented training activities. But the truth is that if we fail to train our children and pupils how to respond in emergencies, how to administer first aid, or what to do when a chemical attack occurs, nobody else will do that for us. And that, in essence, is why I greatly welcome this type of activity, and with the help of soldiers, I believe, it will contribute to promoting patriotism amongst youth along with increasing their interest in Homeland Defence issues. At the same time, by promoting defence-oriented training events, we are delivering on the Slovak Government Manifesto and the Slovak National Party (SNS) Manifesto.”
Juraj Soboňa, member of the Parliamentary Committee on Military Intelligence Control and Member of Parliament, said: “I hope this tradition will spread to other primary schools not only across this region but also across the whole of Slovakia.”
Peter Baláž, mayor of Topoľčany, said: “We wish to organise the ‘Defence Olympiadʼ next year as well and encourage other schools across Slovakia to get their pupils moving and see first-hand the capabilities of the Slovak Armed Forces.”
Maroš Pavlovič, initiator of the project, thanked the town authorities and the MOD for backing the project. “If defence training skills are to be demonstrated and practised, it is very important that it is done by the SVK Armed Forces – the elements specially designed for that role.”
Taking part in the ‘Defence Olympiadʼwere 16 teams, consisting of pupils of grades 8 and 9 of the local primary schools in Topoľčany, whose physical fitness was put to the test in various disciplines. The event was supported by Topoľčany-based 1st Mechanised Brigade soldiers who were visited at their base by Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš and CHOD Lt Gen Daniel Zmeko prior to the event.
