Ačkups Strengthens Team Spirit at the “Zelta plosts” in Sigulda

One of Ačkups’ most anticipated activities at the beginning of each season is the "Zelta plosts" (Golden Raft) hike. It is a day that we spend actively together outdoors, taking on various unusual challenges. Of course, it is also a wonderful opportunity for our new dancers to get to know the Ačkups family outside the dance studio and become more comfortable within the group. "Zelta plosts" always turns into a fun adventure, after which we feel more united and have a better understanding of one another.

This year, Sigulda was chosen as the destination for "Zelta plosts". On the sunny morning of 18 October 2025, we met at the railway station and set off on our journey. The weather truly treated us well—the autumn trees were glowing in golden colours, and the fresh air of the Gauja valley gave us a pleasant boost, filling us with vibrant energy. We certainly needed it, as throughout the day we covered a 14-kilometre route.

During the hike, we not only enjoyed the city views and picturesque forests but also competed against each other, testing our creativity, quick thinking, and agility through various challenges. Every year, we are divided into teams - this time into four - and their names always reflect our creativity and sense of humour. Taking on the challenge this year were "Mārtiņa klukstes," "Pelmeņi," "Rodeļnieki," and "Garie cīsiņi."

We put our sharp minds to work in different tasks, including answering questions about our Artistic Director, Elita. The challenge became even more exciting because Elita herself was right there beside us, carefully listening to our answers. In other activities, we had to pop balloons one after another as a team or prove our accuracy in a plate-throwing challenge.

The funniest moment came when a bag of flour appeared during the hike. The task seemed simple enough: holding a playing card between your lips, you had to transfer the flour from your card onto the card of the person standing next to you. We never imagined that this would turn out not to be a test of precision, but a true challenge of breath control!

Those who accidentally blew air out through their nose a little too forcefully ended up covering their neighbour in a cloud of flour - right in the face. It wasn’t only flour flying through the air; tears of laughter were flying too.

Although we completed all the challenges in a friendly and fair spirit, we were, of course, also driven forward by a healthy sense of competition. And that - combined with quick thinking, cleverness, and creativity - led "Pelmeņi" to victory and the gold medal!

The silver and bronze medals went to "Garie cīsiņi" and "Rodeļnieki", while the wooden medal for dedication and active participation was awarded to "Mārtiņa klukstes".

After the ceremonial awards ceremony by the Laima Clock at Sigulda Station, we slowly boarded the train to head home - now carrying a sense of accomplishment, warm friendship, and gratitude in our hearts.

As the autumn silhouettes blurred past the windows, each of us quietly realized that "Zelta plosts" had worked its magic once again. It brings us closer together, inspires us, and reminds us how important it is to be together - not only in the dance studio but beyond it as well.