The center of the capital gathered thousands of passionate athletes, including officials, specialists and amateurs of different ages, at the Olympic Festival, 9th edition. The official opening ceremony was attended by swimmer Ion Lazarenco, Moldova's candidate for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize. The Moldovan athlete is the first person on the planet who managed to overcome seven straits on his first attempt.

The swimmer's productivity pushed the young people to be always committed to a healthy way of life, which is a guarantee of success. At the same time, he urged the citizens to promote peaceful ideas and national values. "I have swum in all 7 straits of the world and in other oceans, rivers and lakes, where I was very proud to raise our flag, and I wish you future champions to be proud of our flag and our country. You are true ambassadors of peace because sport is an image of peace," said Ion Lazarenko.

The Olympic Festival is organized within the framework of the Day of Sport and the Olympic Movement, marked on May 18, to encourage citizens to lead an active and healthy lifestyle. During the day, participants have the opportunity to say, along with the best athletes and coaches, various disciplines such as athletics, tennis, badminton, salm, karate and basketball.

This year's edition is dedicated to the European Games in Minsk in 2019, which will be held in June this year.