Penza, 22 May 2017. PenzaNews. An opening ceremony of the 27th city gathering of school pupils-tourists dedicated to the memory of Alexander Sokolovsky was held in the camp "Yunost" in the village Kluchi on Monday, May 22.

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The gathering united 51 teams from Penza comprehensive schools. Before the official part, the young tourists took part in a parade.

The head of the city education department Yuri Golodyaev turned to those present noting that tourism always drew attention of school pupils, it was interesting to them because it allowed getting skills of independent activity and gave the ability to make decisions in non-standard situations.

"Unfortunately, we started to notice lately that many Penza school pupils do not know campfire and touristic songs and have no experience of young tourists. Suffice it to say that last year the city tourists gathering was attended by 15 teams. [...] That is why this year all schools were obliged to take part in the tourists gathering," Yuri Golodyaev added.

After the official part of the event, the head of the Penza administration Victor Kuvaytsev had a walk around the tent camp and talked to school pupils who took part in the gathering, and asked them about conditions of their stay as well as about songs they sing sitting around the fire. The young tourists said they like their stay and sing songs of Victor Tsoy.

Victor Kuvaytsev reminded the organizers that it is necessary to pay close attention to the safety of the young tourists.

"The main thing is that you understand that they are children and cannot be left alone," he said.

Then, in an interview to journalists, Victor Kuvaytsev confessed that he felt a little envious of the gathering participants.

"It is a good place, well-prepared in all senses. [...] There is a good grass cover here [...], which was ploughed-up," the Penza mayor added.

According to Victor Kuvaytsev, the tourists gathering is a good opportunity to spend time outside, to gain strength and to make new friends.

I am sure that supporting all activities in additional education we are on the right track. This is done mainly in order to keep children busy, to make them involved in such good sports events, to see that they are fully developed," he emphasized.