Stelpe Open Air Stage - Officially Opened And Consecrated

Saturday, September 4, there was the official opening of the newly built open air stage in Stelpe. The leaderships of all the communities of District Vecumnieki were present in order to congratulate stelpians with this important day.

Picture: Stelpe dancers in action on the newly opened stage
In the beginning of 90-ties, by a short-sighted decision of the then Board, Stelpe Culture House was torn down even though it was still in quite good condition. Then came the time of the major inflation with currencies changing, and nothing was built in the place. The chair of Stelpe local administration Elmārs Jukonis says that he has been often hearing the opinion of the villagers that a place for gathering and activities is needed here.

The chair of the Board of District Vecumnieki (Vecumnieku novada Dome) Rihards Melgailis opens the stage by cutting a symbolic ribbon

Minister of Vecumnieki church (Vecumnieku baznīca) Juris Morics consecrates the stage in the name of Father, Son and the Holy Ghost.
The first performance on our stage - a song by teachers and dedicated amateur artists Iveta Grantiņa and Inese Freiberga
The author of the grant application for the construction of the stage, Kristīne Rulle (with guitar) and her helpers Inga Polika (foreground left) and Karīna Dzenīte singing a three-voice version of a popular song.
View on the spectator seats
Skaistkalne Brass Orchestra (Skaistkalnes pūtēju orķestris) under the conduct of Jānis Kalniņš, a dedicated musician and member of Vecumnieki District Board (Vecumnieku novada Dome).
Stelpe theater performed a comedy Trīnes Grēki (Trine the Mischief Maker) by Latvian classic playwright Rudolfs Blaumanis. The head teacher of Stelpe School (Stelpes skola) Dagmāra Venclova as Trine, and Jānis Klāviņš as Abram the Jew.
After the concert and theater, there was a dancing party until 2 A.M.

XIV Annual Sports Festival of Stelpe Pagasts

It was not quite like the Olympic Games even though there were lots of similarities. The high standard set in earlier years by Aiga Saldabola (read more about the last year's games) was to be kept this time by my wife Sandra Neliusa since she is in a way Aiga's follower.

The festival is not only for athletes to compete, it is also for everyone to come together and enjoy some air of celebration. Stelpians value this tradition, and many of them plan their day to stay in Stelpe and join the celebration. Teams start coming together to practice volley and soccer months before the Sports Day. So this day has also an indirect positive influence on the lifestyle of the young.

For the Sports Day to be more colorful, Sandra had invited even Mr. Universe 2009 Aivars Visockis and a group of cheerleaders from Kurmene Pagasts.

The activity was quite well attended, and the importance of the tradition was emphasized by the presence of the Chair of the Board (Not to call him Mayor?) of District Vecumnieki Rihards Melgailis and executive director Guntis Kalnins who stayed on the site all day long and participated in the competitions.

Also the governor of Stelpe Pagasts Elmars Jukonis had made himself available all day long, and helped both with advice and practical solutions. He did not take part in the competitions though.

Picture 1: Ladies' shooting competition.
Picture 2: Valentina Rutina, who took the 2nd place, was shooting the first time in her life. Having heard just brief instructions before the start from a neighbor, she did not hesitate to put the newly acquired knowledge to work and surprised with that everyone on the site. (Valentina in the background, Elmars Jukonis charging her gun)
Picture 3: Edvins Buiko and Davis Jankovskis compete on a relay race
Picture 4: Ineta Klavina, one of the strong women of Stelpe. She competed with Aiga Saldabola and Dace Polika in kettle-bell lifting, which was not initially planned as an event but added on the request of the participants. Each of the three ladies lifted the 16 kg weight more than 2o times.

Picture 5: Lauris Duna climbing the so called Umurkumurs pole for prizesPicture 6: Ineta Klavina had taken her private trampoline to the site, and the children were allowed to use it free of charge.
Picture 7: Inflatable castle "The Python" served well both for relay races and children's entertainment.
Picture 8: Everyone could have a picture taken together with Mr. Universe 2009 Aivars Visockis. Children - Dag Nelius (left), Valdis Berlynskis.