Day 3.

On the third day of the Olympiad, the participants shifted their focus from research to cultural exchange. The day before, the teams had completed one of the most large-scale challenges — the practical round, which included field and laboratory stages. The teams completed a set of research tasks, and today they had the opportunity to rest and prepare for the next stage of the competition.

The highlight of the day was a trip to the Rosa Khutor Ski Resort. The students strolled along the picturesque embankment, rode cable cars up into the mountains, took memorable photos, and visited the ‘My Russia' interactive ethno-park. For many international participants visiting Russia for the first time, the excursion became a true express journey across the country.

The ethno-park introduced the students to the models of Moscow and Kazan Kremlins, the ‘Buryatia' pavilion designed in the shape of a Buddhist temple, Krasnodar farmsteads, and some buildings inspired by the architecture of Saint Petersburg.

The craft workshops sparked great interest: the students got acquainted with traditional crafts from various Russian regions.

The culmination of the day was an artistic evening during which the delegations from 14 countries presented their national traditions. The format of the event allowed the participants to get better acquainted with the culture and interests of their peers.

For example, the team from Myanmar performed a national dance in bright, authentic costumes.

"We prepared for more than a month — rehearsing our movements to represent our country with dignity. Through our national costume and dance, we wanted to show how beautiful and unique Myanmar is. Our culture has distinctive features that set it apart from others, and that is precisely where its main value lies. Over these days, I have become friends with participants from India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Such meetings teach you to understand people from different cultures — a skill that will certainly be useful in the future, when working in international teams. I want to stay in touch with my new friends — perhaps together we can implement some projects. And in the long term, I would like to become an organizer of similar competitions myself," shared Thoon Wathan Shin Thant, a member of the team from Myanmar.

And tomorrow, the participants will face the first stage of the theoretical round — the individual one.