News https://www.sokazan2022.com en Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 to be hosted in Kazan, Russia https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/g42m00zse1-special-olympics-world-winter-games-2022 https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/g42m00zse1-special-olympics-world-winter-games-2022?amp=true Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:00:00 +0300 Official Events Invitational Games

Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 to be hosted in Kazan, Russia

Special Olympic Russia and Special Olympics International inform that Kazan, Russia will host the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2022 with a key aim of transforming the lives and prospects of people with intellectual disabilities across Russia.

The selection of Kazan by the Special Olympics International Board of Directors was made based on the city’s proven reputation for hosting large international sporting events, support from local, state, and national governments of Russia, and a strong legacy vision to use the power of sport to establish thriving, inclusive communities by transforming attitudes and behaviors throughout Russia, and the world.

“Hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 adds Kazan to an elite group of international cities leading the inclusion charge for people with intellectual disabilities,” said Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics. “The global Special Olympics movement has confidence in Kazan’s ability to host a world-class Games that deliver a lasting impact. Congratulations to Kazan!”

Using the platform of the Games, Special Olympics will seek to transform attitudes about intellectual disabilities in Russia, as well as create new opportunities for social integration for the estimated three million people with intellectual disabilities living in Russia.

Special Olympics Russia has been active for more than two decades and has 128,000 athletes taking part in sport and competition across the country. However, this represents only 4 percent of the estimated three million people with intellectual disabilities in Russia. One of the key aims of the World Winter Games will be to grow athlete numbers to 200,000 and expand into all 85 regions of Russia by 2025.

There will also be a focus on the development and expansion of Unified Sports© and related programs, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities play sports together, and related inclusive programs in education, health, and wide-scale youth engagement.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are among the world’s most prestigious sporting events, uniquely focused on advancing a truly inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. World Games also provide a prominent platform for the movement’s work in health, education, and leadership for athletes.

Regarded as Russia’s capital of sports, Kazan is an exciting new destination for Special Olympics. The Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022 will mark the first time the organization has brought a global competition to Russia. No stranger to major sports events, Kazan has played host an array of top sports competitions, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2015 FINA World Championships and the 27th Summer Universiade.

Two thousand Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 nations will compete at the World Winter Games in 2022. They will be joined by some 3,000 volunteers and 4,000 dignitaries and family members, making the event a truly global offering.

“We are thrilled to host the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022,” said Olga Slutsker, President of Special Olympics Russia. “Hosting this prestigious and deeply significant event gives us the opportunity to show Russia and the world that people with intellectual disabilities are capable of competing at the highest levels of sport. It will demonstrate the power of our movement not only as a sports organization but also as a leader in the drive towards a truly inclusive world.”

Kazan is well-equipped to host the seven sports of World Winter Games—alpine skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, floorball, cross-country skiing, figure skating, and short track speedskating. Located in southwest Russia, Kazan is a city with a thousand-year history situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. The World Winter Games will draw support from the local government of Kazan, the state government of Tatarstan, and the federal government of Russia.

“In Kazan, Special Olympics athletes will have the chance to stand on the world stage and be an inspiration for people of all abilities,” said Nyasha Derera, Chair of the Global Athlete Congress and member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors. “World Winter Games is a chance to shout from the mountaintops that we are all more alike than we are different,” added the Zimbabwean short and long-distance runner.

Taking place every two years, and alternating between summer and winter sports, the Special Olympics World Games are broadcast globally by ESPN, the Official Broadcast Partner of Special Olympics. The previous World Winter Games took place in Austria in 2017.

About Special Olympics

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Unified Sports partners in over 190 countries and territories and more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.

About Special Olympics Russia

Special Olympics Russia was established in 1999 and involves 128,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. More than 4,900 sports events at the municipal, regional and national levels are held annually across Russia. Currently, there are regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities regularly take part in global Special Olympics events and competitions.]]> Kazan 2022 Special Olympics Logo Contest launched https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/hhtvoxrm41-kazan-2022-special-olympics-logo-contest https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/hhtvoxrm41-kazan-2022-special-olympics-logo-contest?amp=true Thu, 03 Sep 2020 11:00:00 +0300 Invitational Games Official Events

Kazan 2022 Special Olympics Logo Contest launched

The Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation in cooperation with the Special Olympics of Russia initiated the all-Russian contest for designing the logo of the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan. The Directorate for Sports and Social Projects acts as the organizer of the contest.     

Individuals aged 16 and above are eligible for participation in the contest. The winner of the contest will receive a monetary prize of ₽100 000.

Entries are accepted from 3 to 30 September 2020 via e-mail at .
During the qualification phase from 1 to 9 October 2020 the entries will be checked against the contest criteria, then the contest commission will shortlist three (3) to five (5) best design projects with maximum votes. The commission is to perform the final evaluation of the design projects and define the winner before mid-October 2020.

The contest commission includes representatives of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan, member of designer community, public figures and Tatyana Baranova, the Ambassador and athlete of the Special Olympics. The commission is headed by the President, Olga Slutsker, Chairman of the Board of the Special Olympics. 

The final phase of the contest embraces also the announcement of results, awarding a signing an agreement on the alienation of the exclusive right for the design project with the winner. 
To recap, the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games will take place in Kazan on 22–28 January and are to be the first international event under the umbrella of Special Olympics International in Russia. 

Special Olympics World Winter Games will include competitions where 2000 athletes and unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries will take part. They will be joined by around 3000 volunteers and 4000 honourable guests and members of their families to make the event truly large-scale.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games is one of the most prestigious sporting events aimed at creating a truly inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. The World Games also provide an important platform for the functioning of the Special Olympic movement in the areas of healthcare, education and leadership for athletes.

About the Special Olympics

Special Olympics founded in 1968 is an international movement aimed at terminating discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. It acts for inclusion of all people by developing sports and programs in the areas of healthcare, education and leadership Every year the Special Olympic movement organizes over 100 000 games and competitions in more than 30 Olympic disciplines and unites more than 6 million athletes and unified partners and more than half a million coaches and volunteers in over 190 countries and territories.

About the Russian Special Olympics

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programs within the movement. In Russia there are about 130000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Within the program of the Special Olympics about 5000 sporting events are organized for them annually on municipal, regional and federal levels. Today regional departments are functioning in 62 of the regions of Russia. Every year, Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities participate in international Special Olympic events and take leading positions.

Source: www.minsport.gov.ru

]]> Special Olympics Russia athletes take part in Kazan Marathon https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/e5u32h2i61-special-olympics-russia-athletes-take-pa https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/e5u32h2i61-special-olympics-russia-athletes-take-pa?amp=true Sun, 11 Oct 2020 15:00:00 +0300 Sport

Special Olympics Russia athletes take part in Kazan Marathon

On October 11, Special Olympics Russia athletes took part in the Kazan Marathon. Five young athletes that took 2nd place in the football tournament at the Kazan Championship participated in the 3-kilometre race. They are Rifkat Suleymanov, Azamat Mumindzhanov, Irek Safin, Danis Nigmazyanov and Adel Vanyukhin. The latter is also the Special Olympics Russia champion in short track speed skating and futsal bronze medallist.

Participation in the race is a step towards the Special Olympics World Winter Games, which Kazan will host on January 22-28, 2022. They will be the first international event under the auspices of Special Olympics International in Russia.

Special Olympics athlete Adel Vanyukhin says, ‘Today my friends and I are participating in the Kazan Marathon. I am glad to be running with them. It is pleasing to be part of such a grand occasion. I am really looking forward to the Special Olympics Winter Games. I think they will give me and other participants the opportunity to find friends from other countries, communicate with them and take part in the competitions’.

Two thousand athletes and unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries will compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games. They will be joined by around 3,000 volunteers and 4,000 honourable guests and members of their families to make the event truly large-scale.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are one of the most prestigious sporting events aimed at creating a truly inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities. The World Games also provide an important platform for the functioning of the Special Olympic movement in the areas of healthcare, education and leadership for athletes.

About Special Olympics

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is an international movement aimed at terminating discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. It promotes inclusion of all people by developing sports and creating programmes in the areas of education, health and leadership. Every year the Special Olympics movement delivers over 100,000 games and competitions in more than 30 Olympic disciplines and unites more than six million athletes and unified partners and more than one million coaches and volunteers in over 190 countries and territories.

About Special Olympics Russia

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programmes within the worldwide movement. In Russia there are about 130,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Within the programme of the Special Olympics, about 5,000 sporting events are held for them annually at the municipal, regional and national levels. Currently, there are regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. Every year Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities participate in international Special Olympics events and take leading positions.

Kazan Marathon

Ak Bars Bank Kazan Marathon 2020 takes place in the capital of the Republic of Tatarstan from October 10 to October 11. Eleven thousand runners from all over Russia take part in the race along the main streets of the running capital. On October 11, the main part of the Kazan Marathon with races at 3, 10, 21.1 and 42.2 kilometres is held. The organisers have prepared a track with a small set of heights (96 metres) along the main streets of Kazan.

Since 2020, the Kazan Marathon has officially become a qualifying event in the Wanda Age Group World Rankings of the series of the world’s main running events, which makes it possible for its participants to obtain an invitation to the World Marathon Championship. Currently, only two Russian marathons participate in the qualification for the Championship. The Kazan Marathon is one of them.

Press Office of Directorate for Sports and Social Projects

]]> Vladimir Leonov: Staging the Special Olympics World Winter Games is a great honour for our country and the Republic of Tatarstan https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/u5vzov7sf1-vladimir-leonov-staging-the-special-olym https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/u5vzov7sf1-vladimir-leonov-staging-the-special-olym?amp=true Tue, 15 Dec 2020 15:18:00 +0300 Official Events Invitational Games

Vladimir Leonov: Staging the Special Olympics World Winter Games is a great honour for our country and the Republic of Tatarstan

The status of preparations and programme of the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan, Tatarstan, was talked about today at a briefing at the House of the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan by Sports Minister Vladimir Leonov.

Kazan obtained the right to stage such a significant event for the first time in Russia. Competitions for people with intellectual disabilities are very important, and they require serious and thorough preparation.

The project is supported by the Russian government. The management system for preparations for the Games has been formed: the system includes the Federal Organising Committee, the Republican Organising Committee and working groups in the areas of preparation. Republican agencies are already actively involved in preparations and cooperate with the Ministry of Sports of Russia and Special Olympics of Russia on organisational issues for the Games. Traditionally in the republic, the Games preparation process is conducted directly by the Directorate for Sports and Social Projects.

Vladimir Leonov emphasised that the main goal of the project is adaptation of people with intellectual disabilities. In other words, to help people with intellectual disabilities become full-fledged members of society, actively participate in social life, provide them with equal opportunities to demonstrate their skills and talents in sports competitions, and inform the public about their abilities and needs.

“The Games provide a unique platform where the most comfortable conditions are created for society to meet an inclusive community. We create safe conditions (both physically and emotionally) for social integration of the inclusive community,” underlined the Minister of Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan.

2,000 athletes and unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries will compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games. The programme of the Games includes competitions in 7 sports: cross country skiing, snowboarding, floorball, skiing, figure skating, short track and snowshoeing.

Venues for the competitions will be Sviyaga Hills Ski Resort (alpine skiing and snowboarding), Burevestnik Stadium (snowshoeing), Kazan Tennis Academy (floorball), Sports Palace (figure skating and short track), and Biathlon and Ski Complex (cross country skiing).

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Games will be held on 22 and 28 January, 2022, respectively, at Tatneft Arena. Apart from the sport events, the participants will be offered an extensive programme of cultural and additional (non-sporting) activities.

The Minister noted that a presentation of the Ambassadors of the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan took place on 5 December: “We’re glad that the project is supported by such famous people as Tatiana Navka, Alexander Ovechkin, Alexander Legkov, Alexey Nechaev and Ksenia Solovieva,” commented the Minister.

It is planned to involve about 3,000 volunteers for the Games, who will be involved in more than 30 positions. The volunteer application process will begin on 5 December. Applications shall be accepted until May 2021 on the www.SOKAZAN2022.com website.

As part of the preparations for the Games, a test event is planned, which will be the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games. These Games will also be a qualifying competition for the Russian national team for the Games in 2022. There will be competitions in all disciplines of the Games except floorball.

A special section with all the necessary information on the main Games and Invitational Games, including sports, venues, accreditation of client groups, and services for media representatives was launched on the website of the Games, sokazan2022.

For reference

Kazan will be hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games from 22 to 28 January, 2022. The Winter Games Programme covers 7 sports: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, cross country skiing, figure skating, short track speed skating, and snowshoeing. The hosts are expected to welcome 2000 athletes and unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries.

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programmes within the worldwide movement. It brings together approximately 130,000 athletes that take part in various competitions around the country. Within the programme of the Special Olympics, about 5,000 sporting events are held annually at the municipal, regional, and national levels. Currently, there are regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. One of the key goals of the Winter Games will be to increase the number of athletes with intellectual disabilities involved in the event. The target number is 200,000 people by 2025.

Founded in the USA in 1968, Special Olympics is an international movement aimed at terminating discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. It promotes inclusion of all people by developing sports and creating programmes in the areas of education, health, and leadership. Every year the Special Olympic movement organises over 100,000 games and competitions in more than 30 Olympic disciplines and unites more than 6 million athletes and unified partners and more than half a million coaches and volunteers in over 190 countries and territories.
Learn more: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and Medium blog. More information is available at www.SpecialOlympics.org.

Press Office of Directorate for Sports and Social Projects

Source: prav.tatarstan.ru

]]> Coca-Cola to be an official partner of 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/sve7f9h3n1-coca-cola-to-be-an-official-partner-of-2 https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/sve7f9h3n1-coca-cola-to-be-an-official-partner-of-2?amp=true Thu, 10 Dec 2020 19:00:00 +0300 Official Events

Coca-Cola to be an official partner of 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan

An agreement of intent between the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan and Coca-Cola Russia on support of the Special Olympics Games and other international sports events that will take place in the republic before the end of 2023 was signed today as part of a working meeting between the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, representatives of Special Olympics and Coca-Cola.

The event was attended by Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics Mary Davis, First Deputy Minister of Sport of Russia Azat Kadyrov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics in Europe and Eurasia David Evangelista, Senior Director Global Sponsorships Strategy at The Coca-Cola Company Mickael Vinet, President of Special Olympics Russia Olga Slutsker, General Director of Coca-Cola HBC Russia Aleksandar Ruzhevich, Minister of Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan Vladimir Leonov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Director General of the Directorate for Sports and Social Projects Maksim Denisov, Special Olympics athlete, Champion of Russia in Athletics, Champion of Russia in Snowshoeing Ksenia Byakhova. The meeting was held through video conferencing.

Rustam Minnikhanov greeted the organisers and partners of the upcoming Games. “Over the past decade, Tatarstan has made a huge leap forward in the development of sports infrastructure. Today Kazan is a city that can host the largest international competitions. Of course, participation of business structures in the implementation of such a socially significant project as the Special Olympic World Winter Games is important. It is gratifying that this project is planned to be supported by large international companies that have proven themselves at the 2013 Universiade, the 2015 FINA World Championships and WorldSkills 2019. The Special Olympics World Winter Games organisers are interested in your services. I am confident that the experience and professionalism of The Coca-Cola Company will make the Games bright and unforgettable,” the President of the Republic of Tatarstan said.

Regional President and Managing Director of Special Olympics in Europe and Eurasia David Evangelista noted that Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia is delighted that Coca-Cola Russia has become a key partner for the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan. “Coca-Cola Russia has long played a leading role in creating a more open world for people with any physical, mental and sensory disabilities. The Games in Kazan promise to become a significant international sporting and, at the same time, humanitarian event that will attract the world community to Kazan and make sure that the Special Olympics athletes are known all over the world. It is a great honour for us that Coca-Cola Russia has joined us again to fulfil this important mission,” he said.

According to Olga Slutsker, President of Special Olympics Russia, this prestigious and extremely important event will provide an opportunity to show that Russia has always been, and remains, in the top league of the world sports movement and is capable of hosting major international competitions at the highest level. “Russia has become the host of perhaps the most humanistic competitions in the world, which give people with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to socialise and feel like a part of a large sports family. The development of an inclusive culture is the main goal of Special Olympics,” she added.

Mickael Vinet, Senior Director Global Sponsorships Strategy at The Coca-Cola Company, said: “We are proud of our half-century partnership with Special Olympics and are particularly excited to continue our partnership now that the values we share are more important than ever. One of the strategic goals of the partnership is not only to develop an inclusive society, but also to create employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.”

He shared the experience of Coca-Cola Russia in promoting programmes aimed at supporting people with intellectual disabilities. The company has previously opened inclusive parks available free of charge to everyone, regardless of physical, mental or sensory background, and launched the unified leadership programme to promote inclusive sports in partnership with Special Olympics. “As part of the Summer Universiade in Kazan, Coca-Cola implemented a sports programme for people with disabilities and organised football and hockey unified matches as part of other major international sports events – the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia™ and the 2019 Winter Universiade in Krasnoyarsk. The experience gained will allow us to hold a truly unforgettable sports event in Kazan,” said Mickael Vinet.

Aleksandar Ruzhevich, General Director of Coca-Cola HBC Russia, said: “Russia is hosting the Special Olympics Games for the first time, and this is a very important step for the development of an inclusive society. The unified matches that we held in different cities of the country showed that people with mental and physical developmental disabilities can participate in large sports events and be integrated into everyday life on an equal basis with everyone. We will definitely continue to support initiatives related to the development of an inclusive society in Russia.”

Ksenia Byakhova also greeted the meeting participants: “I am very happy to participate in the Special Olympics competitions. I like to play sports and communicate with other guys. I look forward to the 2022 Special Olympics World Games in Kazan, when we can host athletes from all over the world and celebrate victory together with Coca-Cola!”

We would like to remind you that 2,000 athletes and unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries are expected to take part in the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Test games with the participation of Russian athletes will be held in Kazan in February 2021.

Founded in the USA in 1968, Special Olympics is an international movement aimed at terminating discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. It promotes inclusion of all people by developing sports and creating programmes in the areas of education, health, and leadership. Every year the Special Olympic movement organises over 100,000 games and competitions in more than 30 Olympic disciplines and unites more than 6 million athletes and unified partners and more than half a million coaches and volunteers in over 190 countries and territories.

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programmes within the worldwide movement. It brings together approximately 130,000 athletes that take part in various competitions around the country. Within the programme of the Special Olympics, about 5 thousand sporting events are held annually at the municipal, regional, and national levels. Currently, there are regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. One of the key goals of the Winter Games will be to increase the number of athletes with intellectual disabilities involved in the event. The target number is 200,000 people by 2025.

Coca-Cola Russia

Coca-Cola Russia, which unites Coca-Cola Soft Drink Consulting LLC, Coca-Cola HBC Eurasia LLC and Multon JSC, is one of the leaders in the production of high-quality soft drinks and one of the largest investors in the Russian economy. Over the entire period of its presence in Russia, Coca-Cola Russia has invested more than 6.2 billion US dollars in the country's socio-economic development.

Coca-Cola Russia provides jobs for more than 7,000 highly skilled workers and creates more than 60,000 additional jobs in related industries.

In Russia, the product line includes high-quality soft drinks: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, Coca-Cola Cherry, Coca-Cola Vanilla, Coca-Cola Energy, Fanta, Sprite, Powerade, BonAqua, AdeZ, Schweppes, Innocent, Dobry, Rich, Moya Semya, Dobry Pulpy, FUZE TEA and Costa Coffee.

Coca-Cola Russia implements a socially responsible policy and is proud to be an integral part of Russian life and an active participant in the country's economic development. 

Press Office of Directorate for Sports and Social Projects

Source: Press Office of President of Republic of Tatarstan

]]> Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 volunteer programme officially launched https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/1d3ab7z7t1-special-olympics-world-winter-games-2022 https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/1d3ab7z7t1-special-olympics-world-winter-games-2022?amp=true Mon, 07 Dec 2020 08:35:00 +0300 Volunteers

Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 volunteer programme officially launched

The volunteer programme for one of Russia’s key international projects planned in 2022 was launched on December 5, International Volunteer Day. This was part of the nationwide online flashmob that brought volunteers from Russia and beyond together under the We Stand Together motto.

“Russia is very honoured to host the Special Olympics World Winter Games, as they are one of the most prestigious sporting events aimed at helping people with intellectual disabilities feel welcome in society. This unique project truly embodies the core values of the entire volunteer movement: open-mindedness, acceptance, and mutual trust. It also brings together two aspects of volunteering: social volunteering and volunteering at sports events. I would like to extend an invitation to everyone who shares our values and is ready to do their part in creating a world where everyone gets equal opportunities,” said Olga Slutsker, President of Special Olympics Russia.

Vladimir Leonov, Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan, noted that Kazan was at the forefront of the sports volunteer movement in Russia. “Since then, we have hosted hundreds of events, Kazan has earned the great honour of being called the Sports Capital of Russia, and the Kazan Volunteers team gained a favourable reputation both in Russia and around the world. Today, we are facing a new challenge. We are about to host a whole new event that is very important for Russia: the Special Olympics World Winter Games, and we are happy to welcome volunteers from around the world,” said the minister.

The volunteer campaign started on 5 December 2020 and will run until May 2021. Candidates from around the world are eligible to enter. The volunteers positions are open to people over 14 years old living in Kazan, and people over 18 years old living elsewhere in Russia and in other countries. Traditionally, candidates for volunteer positions at international sports events need to be fluent in English and must be available for the entire event duration. After the preliminary stage, potential volunteers must complete mandatory training, including a special preparation programme.

The Games will require 3,000 volunteers. To join the volunteer team, please visit www.sokazan2022.com.

For reference

Kazan will be hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games from 22 to 28 January 2022. The Winter Games programme covers 7 sports: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, cross country skiing, figure skating, short track speed skating, and snowshoeing. The hosts are expected to welcome 2,000 athletes and unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries.

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programmes within the worldwide movement. It brings together approximately 130,000 athletes that take part in various competitions around the country. Within the Special Olympics programme, about 5,000 sporting events are held annually at the municipal, regional, and national levels. Currently, there are regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. One of the key goals of the Winter Games will be to increase the number of athletes with intellectual disabilities involved in the event. The target number is 200,000 people by 2025.

Founded in the USA in 1968, Special Olympics is an international movement aimed at terminating discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. It promotes inclusion of all people by developing sports and creating programmes in the areas of education, health, and leadership. Every year the Special Olympic movement organises over 100,000 games and competitions in more than 30 Olympic disciplines and unites more than 6 million athletes and unified partners and more than half a million coaches and volunteers in over 190 countries and territories. Learn more: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and Medium blog. More information is available at www.SpecialOlympics.org.

Press Office of Directorate for Sports and Social Projects

]]> One year until Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022 https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/va49cul7e1-one-year-until-special-olympics-world-wi https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/va49cul7e1-one-year-until-special-olympics-world-wi?amp=true Fri, 22 Jan 2021 12:02:00 +0300 Official Events

One year until Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022

Kazan, January 22, 2021: One year from today, on 22 January 2022, Kazan will hold the opening ceremony for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022. More than 2,000 Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities from over 100 countries will compete in six sports and be supported by 3,000 volunteers and 4,000 dignitaries and family members from all around the world.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are the world's largest sports and humanitarian event and are the flagship event of the global movement to achieve a truly inclusive world for people with disabilities. Using the platform of the Games, Special Olympics will seek to transform attitudes about intellectual disabilities in Russia, as well as create new opportunities for social integration and inclusion for the estimated three million people with intellectual disabilities living in Russia and other people with intellectual disabilities across the world.

The World Winter Games Kazan 2022 will be the first time Special Olympics holds a global event in Russia. Kazan has significant experience hosting major world-class sports events for the past 10 years.

Mary Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Special Olympics, said: "Special Olympics is proud to host the World Winter Games 2022 in Kazan, Russia. Kazan has established itself as a city capable of hosting top international sporting events, and I am confident the World Winter Games 2022 will leave a lasting legacy of inclusion in Russia and show the world that sports are a catalyst for inclusion and peace."

Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan, said: "I am grateful to Special Olympics for placing their trust in us to host the World Winter Games 2022. We are making every effort to ensure these Games are a successful sporting event, and more importantly a valuable contribution to an inclusive culture. I believe that a happy society is one in which provides everyone with equal opportunities, and it is our job to make that possible."

Olga Slutsker, President of Special Olympics Russia, said: "The World Winter Games Kazan will create an atmosphere of joy and kindness, breaking down barriers and conventions. When it comes to inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, we see that we are more alike than we are different. Sports have the power to bring people together, and World Winter Games Kazan 2022 build an inclusive culture in Russia and around the world."

Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners will have the opportunity to compete in seven sports: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, cross-country skiing, figure skating, short track speed skating and snowshoeing.

In addition to the main competitions, the World Winter Games 2022 will include additional initiatives to promote inclusion. The Special Olympics World Games also provide a prominent platform for the movement’s work in health, education, and leadership for athletes.
Throughout 2021, a number of qualifying competitions will be held to recruit the Special Olympics Russian national team for the 2022 Games.

To celebrate the one-year countdown, the official social media accounts for World Winter Games 2022 on Instagram, Facebook and Vk.com will be announced.

About Special Olympics Russia

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programs in the global Special Olympics movement. In Russia, around 130,000 people with intellectual disabilities are involved in physical education and about 5,000 physical culture events of the municipal, regional and all Russian levels are held annually under the Special Olympics Russia program. Currently there are Special Olympics regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities take part in international tournaments annually in the Special Olympics Russia program with athletes occupying various leadership positions.

Special Olympics provides sports training throughout the year in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Training of future Special Olympics participants has already started around Russia. Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities can join a team in their region on the website: https://specialolympics.ru/programs.

About Special Olympics

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Special Olympics Unified Sports® in over 190 countries and territories and more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions every year.

Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, and are broadcast worldwide by ESPN, the official TV and radio broadcasting partner of the Special Olympics movement.

Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.]]> Rustam Minnikhanov conducts Meeting of Republican Committee for Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/5nfljvcni1-rustam-minnikhanov-conducts-meeting-of-r https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/5nfljvcni1-rustam-minnikhanov-conducts-meeting-of-r?amp=true Tue, 26 Jan 2021 14:42:00 +0300 Official Events Invitational Games

Rustam Minnikhanov conducts Meeting of Republican Committee for Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022

Today, the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov conducted the Meeting of the Republican Committee for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022. It was held in the Government house of the republic and featured the Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation Oleg Matytsin.

Special Olympics World Winter Games is a prioritized sports project of the Russian Federation for the year 2022, particularly said Rustam Minnikhanov. According to him, the Games in Kazan will allow demonstrating the whole world that the Special Olympics movement stays out of politics.

“Our overachieving objective is to deliver the Olympics keeping the top level. This is the reason the Republican Committee for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 202 2has been formed for”, stated the President Minnikhanov.

He thanked Oleg Matytsin, on whose initiative the Russian Federation Government is now considering the draft decree for the federal committee formation.

We are ready to arrange the Federal Committee meeting in the near future, announced Rustam Minnikhanov.

Tatarstan President emphasized that today consistent preparation work in the lead up to the Olympics is underway. Thus, close cooperation with the Russian Ministry of Sport has been established, topical issues on preparation will be discussed within the framework of the republican operation headquarters and working groups.

Rustam Minnikhanov specified that the Ministry of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan and Directorate for Sports and Social Projects supervise the overall preparation.

“Tatarstan has gained extensive experience in delivering large-scale sports competitions and social high-profile events, a team of professionals has been formed in the republic, a good urban and sports infrastructure has been created, everything required to organize the games at a high level is in place,” stated Rustam Minnikhanov. In his welcoming speech, Russian Minister of Sport Oleg Matytsin took notice of Tatarstan’s capability to organize the events involving a large number of people in the 2020 challenging environment. He showed appreciation to the leadership of the republic and all colleagues who were engaged in sports events throughout 2020 jointly with the Ministry of Sport of Russia. “When it comes to Special Olympics and Special Olympics Russia Games in Kazan, I would like to highlight that it is a great honor and responsibility, especially in such difficult circumstances,” – said Oleg Matytsin. He emphasized: Tatarstan’s experience in organizing major competitions deserves the highest appreciation and this event will undoubtedly be delivered at the highest level both in terms of hospitality and international event standards.”

Russian Minister of Sport reminded that now we are going through the stage of the Federal Committee formation and approval to be chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Dmitry Chernyshenko.

Oleg Matytsin said, “Yes, in the coming time we will convene the federal committee meeting. This suggestion was considered at the meeting chaired by Igor Levitin. To arrange the Federal committee meeting in the time of the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games on February 2-6 was put forward as one of the options.”

“Paramount idea is to generate the legacy of the event – Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022, and all federal agencies are currently working in this regard. Experience that Kazan possesses thanks to the Universiade and other major sports events speaks for the fact that legacy will certainly turn out very effective for the Russian Federation,” stated Oleg Matytsin.
Tatarstan Minister of Sport Vladimir Leonov and Director General of the Directorate for Sports and Social Projects delivered the reports at the Republican Committee meeting.

Source: Press Office of President of Republic of Tatarstan

]]> Ambassadors of 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games revealed https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/gcc1ttksm1-ambassadors-of-2022-special-olympics-wor https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/gcc1ttksm1-ambassadors-of-2022-special-olympics-wor?amp=true Mon, 07 Dec 2020 08:57:00 +0300 Official Events

Ambassadors of 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games revealed

The Ambassadors of the 2022 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan were introduced on December 5, during the #Мывместе (#Westandtogether) marathon.

They included:

Tatiana Navka, Russian figure skater, Olympic champion of 2006, two times world champion, three times champion of Europe, and three times winner of the ISU Figure Skating Grand Prix Finals (2003–2005).

Alexander Ovechkin, Russian hockey player, Stanley Cup winner, ice hockey world champion.
Alexander Legkov, Russian skier, Olympic marathon champion and silver medal winner in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.

Alexey Nechayev, Russian businessman and politician, founder of the Faberlic research and production company.

Ksenia Solovyova, editor in chief at the Tatler magazine.

“I didn’t even give it second thought. I believe that the people with special needs who practice sports are real heroes, with a lot of fighting spirit. Despite everything, they keep on believing in themselves and doing their utmost to enjoy life. I support the Special Olympics World Winter Games because I am confident that every person, regardless of their health condition, should have an opportunity to achieve their full potential,” said Alexander Ovechkin when commenting his appointment as the Ambassador of World Winter Games 2022.

“The ambassadors are the embodiment of success in different fields, from sport to business and entertainment to media and more. They invest their time, talent, and resources into promoting the Games and supporting the values of the Special Olympics. As inspiring role models, they share our belief in the human ability to come together, overcome obstacles, and create a new, truly inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities, through helping spread the message of the Special Olympics World Winter Games,” said Special Olympics President Olga Slutsker during her presentation.

The World Winter Games Ambassadors promote the Games and the Special Olympics programme throughout the preparation process and the event itself.

Kazan will be hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games from 22 to 28 January, 2022. The Winter Games Programme covers 7 sports: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, cross country skiing, figure skating, short track speed skating, and snowshoeing. The hosts are expected to welcome 2000 athletes and unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries.

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programmes within the worldwide movement. It brings together approximately 130,000 athletes that take part in various competitions around the country. Within the programme of the Special Olympics, about 5 thousand sporting events are held annually at the municipal, regional, and national levels. Currently, there are regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. One of the key goals of the Winter Games will be to increase the number of athletes with intellectual disabilities involved in the event. The target number is 200,000 people by 2025.

Founded in the USA in 1968, Special Olympics is an international movement aimed at terminating discrimination of people with intellectual disabilities. It promotes inclusion of all people by developing sports and creating programmes in the areas of education, health, and leadership. Every year the Special Olympic movement organises over 100,000 games and competitions in more than 30 Olympic disciplines and unites more than 6 million athletes and unified partners and more than half a million coaches and volunteers in over 190 countries and territories. Learn more: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and Medium blog. More information is available at www.SpecialOlympics.org.

Press Office of Directorate for Sports and Social Projects

]]> Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games have started in Kazan https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/yie60hkuc1-special-olympics-russia-winter-invitatio https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/yie60hkuc1-special-olympics-russia-winter-invitatio?amp=true Wed, 03 Feb 2021 12:07:00 +0300 Invitational Games

Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games have started in Kazan

Kazan, February 3, 2021: The  Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games have started in Kazan. The competition will last from 3rd to 8th February and will become a test stage ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022: it will show Kazan's readiness for the upcoming international event.

600 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 36 Russian federal districts will compete at the Games. 210 sports judges and 490 volunteers will also join them. Athletes with intellectual disabilities will compete in six sports: snowshoeing, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, figure skating and short track speed skating, which are consistent with the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2020. The competitions will be held at four different sports venues: Burevestnik, Lokomotiv, Sviyaga Hills, and the Sports Palace. Accommodation for the participants will be the Universiade Village and the student campus of the Innopolis University.

In addition to the key task of promoting the idea of an inclusive society and uniting people with intellectual disabilities through sports, invitational games will also become a platform for selecting athletes of the Russian national team for the Special Olympic Winter Games 2022.

Olga Slutsker, President of Russian Special Olympics, said: “Every person, regardless of their characteristics, has the right to be better and fight for victory. Equality and unity are true sport values. We are very glad that we managed to gather so many special athletes in one place, each of them is actually already a winner - over himself and the circumstances.”

The Games will help to check how ready Kazan is to host international competitions for special athletes in 2022.

Rustam Minnikhanov, President of the Republic of Tatarstan: “Considered the sports capital of Russia, Kazan has a deep sports heritage and the city’s sports facilities, infrastructure, and established volunteer base have hosted many world-class sports competitions. We’re ready to hold the Special Olympics games at the highest level”.

Andy Buckingham, General Manager of Coca-Cola Russia: “At the international level, Coca-Cola is a founding partner and sponsor of the Special Olympics, and we are very proud of our 53-year relationship. I’m glad to announce that Coca-Cola will provide more than 22,000 litres of drinks to support the athletes, coaches and guests of the event. The Special Olympics movement includes more than 5.7 million athletes with special needs. Together we help to build an inclusive society by supporting young people with special needs and providing the opportunities to fulfill their potential”.

For preventing the spread of coronavirus infection, Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games will be carried out strictly in accordance with the requirements of Rospotrebnadzor, the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation and the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan, as well as the recommendations of Special Olympics International. In this regard, no cultural events including Games opening and closing ceremonies are provided.

About Special Olympics

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Unified Sports partners in over 190 countries and territories and more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions every year.

The Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, and are broadcast worldwide by ESPN, the Special Olympic Movement's official television and radio broadcasting partner. The previous World Winter Games were held in 2017 in Austria.

Learn more: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and blog on Medium. More information on www.SpecialOlympics.org.

About Special Olympics Russia

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programs in the global Special Olympics movement. In Russia, around 130,000 people with intellectual disabilities are involved in physical education and about 5,000 physical culture events of the municipal, regional and all Russian levels are held annually under the Special Olympics Russia program. Currently there are Special Olympics regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities take part in international tournaments annually in the Special Olympics Russia program with athletes occupying various leadership positions.

Special Olympics provides sports training throughout the year in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Training of future Special Olympics participants has already started around Russia. Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities can join a team in their region on the website: https://specialolympics.ru/programs.]]> Semyon Fedotov: Special Olympics Gold at 13 and first-ever X-Games medal for Russia https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/sgh388rie1-semyon-fedotov-special-olympics-gold-at https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/sgh388rie1-semyon-fedotov-special-olympics-gold-at?amp=true Wed, 03 Feb 2021 12:12:00 +0300 Invitational Games Sport

Semyon Fedotov: Special Olympics Gold at 13 and first-ever X-Games medal for Russia

January 2017, American Aspen, Colorado. Three days of fascinating performances and competitions – and the first Russian medal in the history of the World Winter Extreme Games (X-Games). Back then, Semyon Fedotov from Sverdlovsk Oblast topped the victory podium. He performed together with the renowned snowboarder Jamie Anderson in the Special Olympics Unified Snowboarding event. They scored the highest results in parallel slalom. Eight athletes from the USA, Austria, Norway, Japan, Australia, and Russia took part in that competition.

Semyon Fedotov from Revda in Sverdlovsk Oblast can rightly be named one the most titled Special Olympics Russian athletes. He claimed his first medals at large international competitions when he was just 13! It was the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2009 in American Boise, Idaho. Semyon at once won three medals at that tournament – golds in slalom and giant slalom and a bronze in Super G.

Semyon took up snowboarding when he was studying at the Revda special school that served as the base camp for the Special Olympics alpine skiing and snowboarding team of Sverdlovsk Oblast. He joined the sports club in 2008. The first success came the same year – gold medals in all three snowboarding events in the strongest division at the Russian tournament in Saint Petersburg. This is a future Olympic champion – experts had no doubts. And they hit the white. 

In a year, a young athlete made the national team and took part in his first Special Olympics World Winter Games. After the triumph at the games, Semyon became a laureate of the award “For sportsmanship, courage and will to win shown at the competitions” and was also awarded an “Athlete 2009” badge of honor.

At that time, a gifted athlete seemed to have new victories and sports titles ahead. However, he has to put the tournaments on hold for a couple of years. Due to the injured knee, he will first miss the Special Olympics Russia Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Games in 2012, later – Special Olympics World Winter Games 2013. Surgery and two-year rehabilitation instead of new starts. Specific exercises for physical growth and development helped him to keep fit.

Physical exercises, trainings, and love to snowboard altogether helped to toe the starting line again after a long break – in 2015 Semyon performed at the Russian competitions having claimed gold in Super G and silver in the giant slalom.

Later, in 2017 as part of the Russian national team, he headed to Austria for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2017 and again swept to victory in slalom. The giant slalom once more witnessed Semyon among the top three athletes winning a silver medal. The same year X-Games Winter games took place. In 2020, he displayed prowess at the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games and returned from with three golds in different slalom events.

“Rushing down the snow-covered slope is the best thing ever, the athlete is certain. An effective way to release the tension, adrenaline, speed, extreme, drive, and positive emotions – this is all that snowboard can give,” Semyon notes.

]]> Kazan welcomes athletes of Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/3dr1xrk7r1-kazan-welcomes-athletes-of-special-olymp https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/3dr1xrk7r1-kazan-welcomes-athletes-of-special-olymp?amp=true Wed, 03 Feb 2021 17:03:00 +0300 Invitational Games

Kazan welcomes athletes of Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games

Today, on February 3, the teams competing in the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games arrive in the capital of Tatarstan.

The competitions will allow testing the readiness of Kazan venues for hosting the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022. Athletes showing the best results will get a chance to join the Russian national team at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

“For our athletes the Invitational Games is first of all a joy of travelling, communication, joy of a chance to demonstrate what they have been training hard for. All this is crucial for their conversation with the world and adaptation in the social environment,” says the Special Olympics Russia sports advisor in figure skating and coach Anna Sedelkova (Saint Petersburg), “It is good that this movement is paid increasingly greater attention in Russia. Tatarstan demonstrates a high level of readiness to deliver the Winter Invitational Games. Kazan has not delivered large-scale winter competitions, but all venues were quickly adjusted to corresponding sports. We would like to extend our gratitude to the leadership of the Republic for their wish and readiness to organize the Special Olympics Winter Invitational Games and upcoming World Winter Games 2022.”

Shuttle buses will take arriving teams to the Universiade Village where they will be accommodated throughout the Invitational Games. Four sports venues will house the competitions: Burevestnik and Lokomotiv Stadiums, Sviyaga Hills Ski Resort, and Sports Palace. 

Competitions are scheduled for February 4-7: showshoeing, alpine skiing, cross country skiing and snowboarding start on February 4, and figure skating and short track speed skating – on February 6.

The Winter Invitational Games will bring together 600 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 36 subjects of the Russian Federation.]]> Tatyana Baranova: I want to come back to Kazan in 2022 https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/msi13kpo61-tatyana-baranova-i-want-to-come-back-to https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/msi13kpo61-tatyana-baranova-i-want-to-come-back-to?amp=true Thu, 04 Feb 2021 14:10:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Tatyana Baranova: I want to come back to Kazan in 2022

Today the Special Olympics Winter Invitational Games kicked off in Kazan. Cross country skiing athletes were the first to go to the starting line at the Lokomotiv Stadium. Among them is Tatyana Baranova from Tambovsk Oblast. At the Invitational Games, the 20-year-old athlete will perform at 5 and 7 km distances striving for victory only. According to her, it is essential to come first to qualify for the Special Olympics World Winter Games and return to Kazan in 2022.

Tatyana is from the Gorelsk boarding school for children with health disabilities. She took up sports at the age of 10, and all these years she has been training with the teacher Aleksandr Albitsky. As Tatyana admitted in an interview leading up to the competition, she had no dream of becoming an athlete. “I didn't think about it, but I always wanted to run and jump,” she said. Tatyana successfully performed at the school, regional, and Special Olympics Russia competitions and became a prizewinner. In addition to cross country skiing, she practices snowshoeing, tennis, sometimes plays basketball and football, but she likes track and field most.

As part of the Russian national team, Tatyana participated in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2017 in Austria. Then the young athlete claimed two golds at once, winning in snowshoeing at distances of 400 and 800 m.

Another start at major competitions happened 2 years later. In 2019, the UAE hosted the Special Olympics World Summer Games where she became the prizewinner of the track and field competitions having finished third at a 400 m distance and won silver at an 800 m distance.

Tatyana shared that at these tournaments, the opponents were strong, and it was not so easy to compete. “I liked it both in Austria and Dubai! We not only participated in the competitions but also went on tour,” the athlete recalls. As Tatyana admitted, she is a little bit nervous before the competitions, but she manages to tune in and move forward. The coaches help her in this, too. The athlete also notes that it is important to warm up well before the start, especially in cold weather.

Sports and competitions give her good health, teach her to strive for new goals. She is also trying to teach these to the younger athletes with whom she shares her experience. “I would like them to learn everything, run well, exercise so that they have good health and desire,” says Tatyana.]]> Olga Slutsker: These competitions stay out of politics; they are an evidence of human victory over the circumstances https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/ffhv2ltvl1-olga-slutsker-these-competitions-stay-ou https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/ffhv2ltvl1-olga-slutsker-these-competitions-stay-ou?amp=true Thu, 04 Feb 2021 14:26:00 +0300 Invitational Games

Olga Slutsker: These competitions stay out of politics; they are an evidence of human victory over the circumstances

President of Special Olympics Russia delivered a speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games in Kazan at Burevestnik Stadium.

“These Invitational Games and the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 that we will be delivering are a great opportunity for Russia to show itself to the whole world, take a leading position in adaptation and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities. This is necessary in order for society to rally around humanism, to draw attention to a huge group that is unprotected all over the world,” Olga Slutsker noted.

Special Olympics Russia President said that the Special Olympics movement demonstrates sport is not only about setting great records. It is also a huge opportunity for rehabilitation, social involvement, a chance for people with intellectual disabilities to feel like a part of the community and live their lives happily. There are no medal standings in Special Olympics competitions and no national flags are hoisted. These competitions are out of politics, they are evidence of a human victory over the circumstances, over what at first glance is invincible. This gives us hope and understanding that each of us can do a lot. Often, personal decadent mood of ordinary people changes when they see the strength, courage and optimism of our special athletes.

Olga Slutsker also stressed that Tatarstan has all the opportunities for a respectable organization of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022.

“Tatarstan is a traditionally advanced modern region. The synergy of cultural historical traditions and a great desire for innovation present here inspire deep respect. I am very pleased that when defending our bid to host the Special Olympics World Games, it was not us who called Tatarstan the Sports Capital, but our foreign colleagues. The republic has got its image well recognized. There is no doubt Kazan will host the best Special Olympics World Winter Games in history. Our foreign colleagues are also sure of this, they are looking forward to seeing Tatarstan,” she concluded. ]]> Aleksandr Legkov: Together we are invincible https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/eua0hjm5z1-aleksandr-legkov-together-we-are-invinci https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/eua0hjm5z1-aleksandr-legkov-together-we-are-invinci?amp=true Thu, 04 Feb 2021 12:13:00 +0300 Invitational Games

Aleksandr Legkov: Together we are invincible

Ambassador of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022, cross country skiing Olympic champion Aleksandr Legkov joined in the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games at the Burevestnik Stadium. 

2014 Sochi Olympics gold medalist greeted the participants and then raced with them in a showshoeing training. Nikolay Orlov was the first finisher, and after Aleksandr got his breath back, he shared with us that the athletes had impressed him with their fitness.

“Snowshoeing is not an easy sport. I thought that when after I put snowshoes on, they would work as a foot. Nevertheless, it turned out they have their own technique and you should keep in mind that they work their way. Only physical and sports health will not let you win. You have to train right in this sport. Today the athletes showed that no matter who you were in a past sports life, it’s difficult to win with physics only. Therefore, they beat me. I came fourth or fifth in a race, though I tried hard and did my best,” Aleksandr said.

“For me, it’s a great honor to be an ambassador of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, and I am grateful to the organizers for entrusting me with such a role. The main goal of the current Games, too, is an adaptation of people with inclusive disabilities through sport. Sport is kindness, smiles, joy. There is no politics here, Olympic values come out on top. I’m privileged to be an ambassador. It is very good that inclusive culture comes to Russia. I feel like giving all of myself and such great competitions give me goosebumps! Communication with athletes touches the very bottom of my heart. I reckon that human qualities are the most important. Together we are invincible,” the Olympic athlete emphasized.

He will also tell about the Special Olympics values at the master class he will conduct in the sports school for cross country skiing and orienteering in Kazan.

On January 22-28, 2022, Kazan will host the Special Olympics World Winter Games. According to the Deputy Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan Ildar Sadriev, nearly all venues are ready to host the competitions and Special Olympics Winter Invitational Games allow organizers to get better prepared for the starts next year.

“The way the athletes’ eyes shine speaks volumes. It highlights that what we are doing is right. Sport smoothens all boundaries. We show to the world and the whole country how hospitable Tatarstan is. Kazan is ready for the Special Olympics Games,” lldar Sadriev said.

Competitions are scheduled for February 4-7: showshoeing, alpine skiing, cross country skiing, and snowboarding start on February 4, and figure skating and short track speed skating – on February 6. ]]> High spirits and good luck https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/0ngz8x7ev1-high-spirits-and-good-luck https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/0ngz8x7ev1-high-spirits-and-good-luck?amp=true Thu, 04 Feb 2021 17:48:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

High spirits and good luck

Today Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games kicked off in Kazan with the start of cross country skiing competitions at Lokomotiv Stadium along with alpine skiing and snowboarding at Sviyaga Hills Ski resort.

Easy yet difficult skiing sport

Cross-country skiing turned out to be the most popular at the Invitational Games – about 200 athletes will be competing after the opening ceremony takes place. The athletes from 30 Russian regions came for the ceremony and enjoyed it a lot.

“Welcome to Kazan! Today is the best skiing weather. I congratulate everyone on the sports festival! I would like to wish everyone success, high spirits, and good luck!” with this message the Chairman of the Committee for Physical Culture and Sport Albert Salikhov addressed the teams.

“I wish you the winning starts. See you at the ski run and may the strongest win!” the chief referee of the competition Elena Kudryashova motivated the athletes.

After the anthems of Russia and Tatarstan were played, the athletes tested the track to get ready for the starts at 50 m, 500 m, 2.5 km, and 5 km freestyle distances. When a warm-up was over, the athletes had a nice talk with the journalists.

“I like skiing. Sometimes it is easy, sometimes it is difficult, I mean when I am tired or the weather is not favorable. I participate in various competitions; my longest distance is 5 km. Today I ski 2.5 km and the next days in a relay. I liked the track and would like to come here next year,” 16-year-old Angelina Kuznetsova from Vyazma (Smolensk region) shared her impressions.

Lokomotiv has prepared special “boxes” for athletes right next to the track, where they can stay before the start. Several coaches accompany each team.

“Our guys are from Khanty-Mansiysk, Surgut, and other regional cities. The team has come to perform well, to show a high result. Today our athletes have run distances of 500 m, 2.5 km, and 5 km. We hope for prizes,” physical education teacher Vyacheslav Shumatbaev said. Together with the main coach Boris Letin, he trains young athletes with intellectual disabilities in the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug. “A huge advantage of the Invitational Games is that many athletes from different cities are here. Through competitions and communication with them, our guys can get a great positive experience. Our goal is to qualify for the next year's Special Olympics.”

“Our delegation is eight athletes who won regional competitions in 2019, among them are two male and one female skiers. All of them are over 40 years old and live in neuropsychiatric departments of boarding schools. My "trainee" Mikhail Kuprin today covered a distance of 2.5 km, says Vladimir Sidorov, a physical education teacher from Zemenkovsk secondary school (Murom district, Vladimir oblast). “Mikhail and 11 other wards of the boarding school where I teach regularly participate in competitions in all 15 sports available in our region for athletes with intellectual disabilities. It is great that in recent years more and more activities have been organized for such athletes. They train hard and a lot and it is very gratifying that their achievements are honored.

The competition at Lokomotiv finished in the afternoon. The official awards ceremony was held at the Burevestnik sports complex.

Frosty, beautiful, fabulous!
Alpine skiing and snowboarding competitions have begun today at the Sviyaga Hills ski resort as part of the Invitational Games with more than 60 athletes.

“Let me greet you all, dear participants, judges, parents, volunteers, guests, all those who have joined today's holiday here, at the Sviyaga Hills! I would like to express my gratitude to the Russian Federation and Tatarstan for such a high-level competition here and remind you that Special Olympics is a sport accessible to everyone. With its help, everyone can achieve everything!” Kristina Golovenko, Alpine Skiing Senior Coach and Advisor of Special Olympics Russia, Alpine Skiing Master of Sports addressed the ceremony participants.

Welcoming the athletes, the President of the Snowboarding Federation of the Republic of Tatarstan Denis Belov noted that the weather favors them:
“Welcome to Kazan! The snow is great! We thank all those involved in the preparation of the sites. The people are not visible, but their work is. Good luck to the athletes! Let everyone show the result they expect. And we will learn from you!”

As the on-site experts noted, the slopes were perfectly arranged, and the first day of the competition went exceptionally well.

“I like the organization, the way they help, accompany to the starting points, organize buses transportation, changing rooms. Now we need to explore the track, see how best to get around the obstacles,” Antonina Bobkova, a 48-year-old athlete from Moscow said. She also added that she has been skiing since she was 19, participated and won a large number of competitions. The athlete is doing several sports, including judo, in which she won gold at the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi in 2019.

“I am in a good mood. I acted a bit foolishly on the track, but the rest is okay. I have been doing alpine skiing since 2013, since then I have become a champion three times. I hope to perform well here,” the young athlete Nikolay Fyodorov shared his impressions and hopes.

“A very beautiful, fabulous place. Frosty, athletic, cheerful! We like it here. Our plans are to taste national dishes,” told Irina Firsanova from Moscow, the mother of 12-year-old snowboarder Nadezhda.

At three o'clock in the afternoon, the sports program concluded at Sviyaga Hills. Competitions for both events will last until February 7.

]]> Sport gives children faith in themselves https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/tpijipi4d1-sport-gives-children-faith-in-themselves https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/tpijipi4d1-sport-gives-children-faith-in-themselves?amp=true Thu, 04 Feb 2021 18:11:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Sport gives children faith in themselves

On the first day of the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games in Kazan, a light frost, hundreds of fans at the stands of the Burevestnik Stadium and a pleasant surprise all gave a warm welcome to the athletes and coaches.

The Opening Ceremony was attended by the Olympic champion Aleksandr Legkov who had a snowshoeing besides his welcoming speech. Even after the end of his career, the winner of the 50km marathon in Sochi is in good shape. But in a new sport, he had to work hard to get into the top five. Alexander himself, after the training run, pointed out the good fitness shape of his rivals.

“Only physical and sports health will not let you win. You have to train right in this sport. Today the athletes showed that no matter who you were in a past sports life, it’s difficult to win with physics only,” Legkov said and wished good luck to all participants.

Having received additional positive energy, the athletes one by one went on a special snow track. On Thursday, spectators saw the divisioning at 25 m, 100 m, and 400 m distances, in which 196 athletes from 31 regions of the Russian Federation competed. Moreover, some participants represented regions where snow is rare even in winter.

“We are from the Krasnodar Krai, and we had little snow this winter. Almost all the time we trained on the grass, and in Kazan, it is fair to say, we are racing in the snow for the second time this year. We are happy with the result. Well done!” said the coach Igor Steparev, whose ward Alexey Kruglyakov ran at a 25 m distance. “Sport is our entire life. I want the guys to get engaged in sports, and it brings them happiness, health and joy. Eight children represent the Krasnodar Krai. The very idea of the Invitational Games is just great.”

Emotions during the races were over-the-top not only for the participants, but also for their coaches, who heartily congratulated the athletes at the finish line, regardless of their places. The head coach of the Sverdlovsk region in snowshoeing Svetlana Starikova was very active in supporting her team and told about the preparation for the Invitational Games.

“These competitions are very important for the guys. You may see how happy they are. We have been preparing and waiting for this event for a long while. The atmosphere is very friendly and positive. Everything is very well-established and goes really well. My girls practice snowshoeing from 4 to 6 years. We have already competed in Tyumen and Novosibirsk, and now we are in Kazan,” Svetlana Starikova said. “Over than this, we do track and field, so it was not difficult for us to swap for snowshoes.”

The geography of the races participants was very extensive. Athletes from the Central part of Russia, the Urals, Western and Eastern Siberia were represented at the Burevestnik stadium. As the coach Olga Lomaloma, who helped athletes from Irkutsk region, noted the sports festival was especially important in the period of the pandemic.


“For me, the Invitational Games is a big event. During this period of the pandemic, we were searching for the ways for the children to show themselves, not to sit around. Snowshoeing is a new sport, and it gives great opportunities to fulfill yourself, to believe in yourself,” Olga Lomalova emphasized. “Many of children live in boarding schools, some do not have parents. Sport gives them a boost to their future life, gives them faith in themselves. And when they gather together at sports events, communicate with each other, it helps them to socialize among people, to believe in their own strength.”

Alexandra Lisitsyna from the Arkhangelsk Oblast has been combining sports and studies since childhood. She took up a “cook and waiter” job, and after the 400 m winning race she shared the recipe of how she manages to keep up with both jobs.

“Studying does not interfere with sports; neither does sport do with learning. The main thing is not to play truant and pass the tests on time. You need patience, diligence and skill,” the athlete explained. “Today I was mentally supported by my coach and friends from Severodvinsk. Everyone was rooting for me, and it gave me strength. I understood that you need to try very hard!”

The first final snowshoe races will be held at the Burevestnik Stadium on Friday. The competition starts at 10.00.]]> Special Olympics unveils mythical dragon logo for World Winter Games 2022 https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/27eyesy5y1-special-olympics-unveils-mythical-dragon https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/27eyesy5y1-special-olympics-unveils-mythical-dragon?amp=true Fri, 05 Feb 2021 19:30:00 +0300 Invitational Games

Special Olympics unveils mythical dragon logo for World Winter Games 2022

Kazan, Russia, 8 February 2021: On Friday 5 February, the Local Organizing Committee for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022 unveiled the global event’s logo during a ceremony at the Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


The logo carries rich symbolism and was developed in part with a competition for designers across Russia. The visual identity is based on winner Artemiy Lebedev’s concept: Zilant—a mythical dragon creature and symbol of the city of Kazan—hugs a stylized tulip native to the Tatarstan region and serves as a representation of the Volga River. The depiction of Zilant hugging the logo is emblematic of friendship, hospitality, and joy.

At the center of the logo, five figures fly in a circle to represent the global Special Olympics movement. Around the flying figures is the Volga, the largest river in Europe, on the banks of which Kazan stands. Mythical dragon Zilant encircles the logo as he protects and welcomes all participants and guests of the Games.

“We believe that such a colorful logo and mascot will catch the eye of any person,” said Olga Slutsker, President of Special Olympics Russia. “It draws attention to the goal of Special Olympics Russia: to develop a society of inclusion, justice and equal opportunity for everyone regardless of ability.”

“We are very proud that symbols of Kazan became the official mascot of the Games,” said Vladimir Leonov, Head of the Ministry of Sport in Tatarstan state. “Zilant is not like other dragons. He is friendly and casual, and he adds brightness, soul and variety to the Special Olympics World Winter Games.”

The livestreamed event featured the logo projected onto the Kazan Kremlin during a concert with mezzo soprano singer Liza Novikova and Russian-Ukranian composer Igor Krutoy. Liza (Elizaveta) Novikova has an intellectual disability and a YouTube channel where she has developed a fan base including many fellow professional opera singers. She regularly performs concerts in her home city Saint Petersburg. Liza performed a composition from Italian opera Ulisse about focusing on the journey instead of the destination. Igor Krutoy is a Ukranian and Russian music composer, performer, producer, and musical promoter. He organizes the New Wave competition for young performers of popular music.

Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022 open on 22 January 2022, and 2,000 athletes from over 100 countries with the support of 3,000 volunteers. Kazan is regarded as the unofficial sports capital of Russia, and has the sports facilities, infrastructure, and volunteer base to hold world-class competitions.


Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners will have the opportunity to compete in seven sports at the World Winter Games Kazan 2022: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, cross-country skiing, figure skating, short track speed skating and snowshoeing.


About Special Olympics

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Unified Sports partners in over 190 countries and territories and more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions every year.


The Special Olympics World Games are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter, and are broadcast worldwide by ESPN, the Special Olympic Movement's official television and radio broadcasting partner. The previous World Winter Games were held in 2017 in Austria.

Learn more: Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and blog on Medium. More information on www.SpecialOlympics.org.

About Special Olympics Russia

Special Olympics Russia was founded in 1999 and is one of the largest national programs in the global Special Olympics movement. In Russia, around 130,000 people with intellectual disabilities are involved in physical education and about 5,000 physical culture events of the municipal, regional and all Russian levels are held annually under the Special Olympics Russia program. Currently there are Special Olympics regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities take part in international tournaments annually in the Special Olympics Russia program with athletes occupying various leadership positions.

Special Olympics provides sports training throughout the year in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Training of future Special Olympics participants has already started around Russia. Russian athletes with intellectual disabilities can join a team in their region on the website: https://specialolympics.ru/programs.]]> Rustam Minnikhanov: Sport has no boundaries, and Special Olympics Winter Games prove it right https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/pt2txgyff1-rustam-minnikhanov-sport-has-no-boundari https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/pt2txgyff1-rustam-minnikhanov-sport-has-no-boundari?amp=true Fri, 05 Feb 2021 20:45:00 +0300 Invitational Games Official Events

Rustam Minnikhanov: Sport has no boundaries, and Special Olympics Winter Games prove it right

Today, the capital of Tatarstan presented the logo of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022. As the Special Olympics Russia President Olga Slutsker noted at the Ceremony in the Kazan Kremlin, the World Games are the main global event for 5.5 million people in 193 countries. “Many thanks to the Russian leadership for being able to host the Special Olympics Games for the first time in our country’s history,” she said.

“For me, Special Olympics is a family, a home where everyone is welcome. Here, they teach not to be afraid, to be persevering, and believe in yourself. It is a great honor for us to welcome the athletes from all over the world,” the leader-athlete, Kazan Games ambassador Tatyana Baranova noted.

The Aide to the President of the Russian Federation, Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the World Winter Games in Kazan Igor Levitin thanked Kazan for its readiness to host the Special Olympics Winter Games. “We have delivered many important sports events, and you have always been at your best. I am certain that the Games will go to a high standard – from the perspective of both sport and humanism,” Igor Levitin emphasized.

“We shall not only deliver these Games successfully but also leave a legacy. So that everyone engaged in this activity – coaches, educators, teachers – can efficiently work in this field,” the Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee believes.
“Sport has no boundaries, and Special Olympics Winter games prove it right,” – said the President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. “Special Olympics mission will reveal the main principles of our country – equal access for everyone. Holding these Games at the top level is our objective.”

Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, told that Kazan is anticipating to welcome the guests next year. “Over the past years, we have accumulated a huge experience of hosting international events and sports competitions, and after each of them, the most important thing that we have left is friends all over the world. Being one year out, we will be doing our best to get ready for the meeting with new friends from across the globe.”

The Games ambassador Ksenia Solovyova, editor-in-chief of the Vogue Russia magazine, is also assured that Russia will host the competition at a high level. “Special Olympics is not about comparing yourself to some imaginary ideal or norm. You only compete with your yesterday’s self. These are different achievements, they teach you to value every little step. I believe in sport and its great unifying power. I do believe that Russia will handle the delivery of the Special Olympics Games,” she uttered.

“Special Olympics World Winter Games are pure energy, it’s a sense of joy for different people, and you feel how big and different the world is. No matter which skin color and characteristics people have and which nationality they are – it all recedes during the Games. We can see and understand a lot here,” says a Games Ambassador, businessman Alexey Nechaev.

Special Olympics Kazan 2022ambassador, Olympic champion in figure skating Tatyana Navka pronounced that the opportunity to host the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Russia is a joy and privilege. “Such outstanding events should never be missed,” she said. “You should certainly come and see how strong, brave, sincere, and honest the athletes are who take part in these competitions. This Olympics is not just about sport – it is an event that heals the souls.”
The General Manager of Coca-Cola Russia Andy Buckingham delivered a welcoming speech to all the participants, as well.

Let us remind you that the Special Olympics World Winter Games will be held on January 22-28, 2022 and will make the debut as the first international event under the auspices of Special Olympics International in Russia. Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan will bring together 2 thousand athletes and unified partners (athletes with no intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries of the world. Around 3,000 volunteers and 4,000 honored guests and their families are also expected.]]> Dmitry Chernyshenko conducts first meeting of Organizing Committee for Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022 https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/iv9ucgb8j1-dmitry-chernyshenko-conducts-first-meeti https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/iv9ucgb8j1-dmitry-chernyshenko-conducts-first-meeti?amp=true Fri, 05 Feb 2021 20:52:00 +0300 Invitational Games Official Events

Dmitry Chernyshenko conducts first meeting of Organizing Committee for Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022

Today, on February 5, Russian Deputy Prime Minister chaired the first meeting of the Organizing Committee for Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022 in a Video Conference format.

The meeting was attended by the Aide to the President of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Advisor to the President of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Presidential Commission for the Disabled Alexandra Levitskaya, Deputy Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation Marina Tomilova, Presidential Commissioner for Children’s Rights Anna Kuznetsova, President of Special Olympics Russia Olga Slutsker, heads of federal ministries, executive authorities of the Russian Federation subjects, representatives of public organizations.

The meeting attendees discussed the preparation process for the Games that comprises the security issues, competitions visual identity, and logo. Furthermore, the Concept of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 legacy, the issues of creating new opportunities for social adaptation of people with disabilities, reshaping the attitudes towards them in our country and the world were taken into consideration.

Having joined in the meeting via video conferencing from Kazan, the Aide to the President of the Russian Federation Igor Levitin recalled that it was exactly a year ago, on February 11, when the Russian President Vladimir Putin had approved of hosting Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022. “Our country has not previously staged such competitions among the people with intellectual disabilities. It is essential to leave the Games legacy to adapt the lives of people with disabilities in the sports field. It is also required to concentrate on fostering the specialists in this area, to put in place educational activities. Our work should be visible to the State Council Commission on Social Policy. We want to draw attention of all governors to the way the Games legacy can be used in the regions.”

In his speech, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko pointed out that next year Russia, Kazan would catch the public eye in terms of addressing the issues of support and social adaptation of people with developmental disabilities. “Our country has been entitled to hosting such unique sports competitions. This verifies the openness of Russia and our readiness to create the necessary environment for comprehensive support for people with special needs, both in the fields of play and everyday life. Such people are already winners and the world should see this, so we lay emphasis on media support of the tournament. Special Olympics participants prove that a person with disabilities can fully adapt to an independent life with the support of society. Our goal is to deliver the Games at a high organizational level, ensuring the guests’ and participants’ comfort and safety.”

Moreover, Dmitry Chernyshenko focused on Tatarstan’s vast experience in organizing and successfully hosting major international tournaments, including the existence of highly qualified staff, numerous effective volunteer projects, and respective infrastructure.

In his welcoming speech, the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the President and the Government of Russia for the unique opportunity to host Special Olympics Winter Games in Kazan. He reported that preparations for international competitions were underway on a scheduled basis. Rustam Minnikhanov: “We will offer the participants and guests the outstanding sports facilities, well-developed infrastructure and certainly our most famous asset, which is hospitality and kindliness. We may ensure that Tatarstan will do its best to host Special Olympics World Winter Games at the top level. The competitions will provide a launch pad for the formation of an inclusive culture and social equity, they will make the society attentive to the needs of people with limited mobility and intellectual disabilities.”

“The Games in Kazan are promising to become a remarkable international sports and at the same time humanitarian event bringing the world community to Kazan and make sure that the Special Olympics athletes are known all over the world,” said Olga Slutsker, President of Special Olympics Russia. In the course of her report, she unveiled the logo of the Special Olympics World Winter Games and made the announcement of its presentation scheduled for the same day in a projection show format on the Kazan Kremlin walls.

Marina Tomilova, Deputy Minister of Sport: “Our country accounts for 128 thousand people with intellectual disabilities doing sports, for whom over 4.9 thousand physical education events are held annually at the Special Olympics municipal, regional and national levels. As of today, there are regional offices in 62 regions of Russia. The most successful work under the Special Olympics program is being implemented in Saint Petersburg, Republic of Tatarstan, Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Vladimir, and Smolensk regions.”

Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 will be held in Kazan on January 22-28. The Games are expected to bring together 3,023 delegations members (athletes, unified partners, coaches, and officials) from 107 countries, 1,090 honored guests, 2,000 family members, and up to 1,000 media representatives. Seven sports make up the Games program: alpine skiing, cross country skiing, figure skating, snowboarding, snowshoeing, short track speed skating, and floorball.

On February 3-8, Kazan is hosting Special Olympics Russian Winter Invitational Games that come as a test competition leading up to the Games 2022. Their delivery will allow for scanning the readiness of the Tatarstan capital for the upcoming international event. Moreover, the Invitational Games are a qualifying tournament for the formation of the Russian national team for the Games 2022.

The Games 2022 legacy will encompass the launch of new Special Olympics sections and groups, which will engage at least 200,000 people with intellectual disabilities in physical education by 2025. It is intended to establish a scientific and educational center for the Special Olympics movement staff training. The Games will generally draw public attention to the problems of people with intellectual disabilities, which will enable changing stereotypes and overcoming barriers that have historically existed between society and the aforementioned people.

Source: Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation

Photo credit by Press Office of the Tatarstan President

]]> Impressions are amazing! https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/38bnn08fy1-impressions-are-amazing https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/38bnn08fy1-impressions-are-amazing?amp=true Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:06:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Impressions are amazing!

Cross-country skiing competitions at 50 m and 500 m distances tool place today at the Lokomotiv stadium within the framework of the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games in Kazan.

Almost 100 athletes went on the track. Despite sleety and rainy weather, the athletes could keep the combative mood.

“I've performed for two days. I did a 500 m distance yesterday and today. The rivals are strong, but I don’t give up. I want to fight. I think you should not feel sorry for yourself,” Nikolai Goloukhov, aged 26, an athlete from Arkhangelsk, opened up his mood. He said that he has been skiing for more than 15 years, now he trains at the Arkhangelsk Center for Adaptive Development. He often goes to the competitions and will hopefully show good results in Kazan.

“The organization of such competitions requires experience, and test competitions show where and what can be enhanced. But overall impressions of the event are amazing!” noted the coach of the Perm Krai team Nikolay Malafeev. For over 30 years, he has been teaching physical education in a special school, for over 20 years he has taken children to the Special Olympics movement competitions. Here in Kazan, there are four skiers and four snowshoers who came with him. “The weather is not very good today, but it’s better than frost. In cold weather, plastic skis run worse. Our guys seem to have “hit the suit”, let's see how they run. There are athletes of different training levels here, and this widens the experience of our students. Anyway, the main thing is that the Special Olympics principle is in place here, allowing everybody to have the opportunity of showcasing their achievements.”

“The air is humid; yesterday it was easier to breathe. However, nature does not have bad weather. At home, the snow falls and melts quickly, we need to have a quick time to train, so here I ski with pleasure,” 18-year-old Alexey Makarov from Ryazan smilingly comments on the atmosphere of today's competition. At competitions, he performs together with his twin brother Sergey. The guys say that they ski for themselves, but they love competitions a lot, because it allows them travelling the cities and countries, and communicating a lot.

“We came from the Republic of Bashkortostan. Our guys do like everything. It's great that the Special Olympics movement is growing. Pupils of all 26 republican schools for children with special needs are involved in the movement,” says Lilia Samsonova, a physical education teacher at the Tuymazy boarding school. “I do want our athletes to keep doing sport in the future. There is a Young Athlete program in the Special Olympics system and we great expectations for it. The athletes have a very developed mutual assistance and support. These are the core points in their social engagement and adaptation in society.

“The Invitational Games is a new step towards the development of social projects. As a skier, I am delighted that his special trend is reaching out to the wide mass society. Three teams from the Tatarstan regions participate in cross country skiing here,” said the representative of the Cross Country Skiing and Biathlon Federation of the Republic of Tatarstan, competition director Yevgeny Shebolkin. “It's great that these competitions are widely covered in the media and attract public attention. We possess vast experience in organizing competitions in summer sports. We will be able to hone our skills in winter sports these days, and next year it will be even more interesting and effective to host the events of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022.”]]> Aleksandr Nikolaev: Independence and self-confidence https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/zckuvpbjj1-aleksandr-nikolaev-independence-and-self https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/zckuvpbjj1-aleksandr-nikolaev-independence-and-self?amp=true Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:08:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Aleksandr Nikolaev: Independence and self-confidence

The Special Olympics Winter Invitational Games will be a qualifying competition for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022. His family is confident that Aleksandr Nikolaev from the Republic of Bashkortostan will show his best when competing in alpine skiing. “Aleksandr is a grown-up, independent person. He has no worries. He does what he must and knows how to do, thus he is self-confident,” notes Elena, the athlete's mother.

Aleksandr Nikolaev is a multiple participant and winner of the Special Olympics municipal, republican, and all-Russian competitions. Back in 2017, aged 14, he won gold and bronze at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria.

Aleksandr started skiing in 2015. Elena occasionally learned from a friend that there was an adaptive alpine skiing club in Ufa. Elena says, “Word of mouth has worked. It was my total initiative to go there. We tried it, and it came out,” she recalls. At first, we had certain difficulties, but steadily Aleksandr was immersed in the training process, got used to the sports regime, and started participating in competitions. “Sport binds this way: after the regime has come, the son got more organized.”

Aleksandr had a man to take an example from. His older brother is a master of sports in swimming, and now, after graduating from university, he works as a coach in Saint Petersburg. Thus, there was slight competitiveness between them. Aleksandr also had an attempt at swimming, but he ended up skiing.

In Ufa, the young athlete trained with the coach, director of the adaptive club Kristina Kovalenko. In 2016, they set off for the qualifiers in Beloretsk for the first time and next year to Austria for the Special Olympics World Winter Games. According to Aleksandr’s mom, he got so impressed with this trip abroad. Over than this, at the competition the young athlete was alone, without relatives. “I feel confident about my children,” notes Elena, who has always been trying to teach her son independence.

Aleksandr's two-hour training would usually be three times a week. Last year he graduated from the Ufa boarding school for students with disabilities and enrolled in Moscow College, where he is studying to be a cook. Due to the pandemic, last year he had homeschool studies. It is good that in college they are always sympathetic when their student needs to leave for a competition.

The athlete brought three pairs of skis to the Invitational Games in Kazan to compete in three alpine skiing events: slalom, giant slalom, and super G. Afterwards he will again go back to Moscow.

]]> Aleksandra Lisitsyna: Sports is a great happiness https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/ur1m8pc9x1-aleksandra-lisitsyna-sports-is-a-great-h https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/ur1m8pc9x1-aleksandra-lisitsyna-sports-is-a-great-h?amp=true Fri, 05 Feb 2021 15:00:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Aleksandra Lisitsyna: Sports is a great happiness

The program of the Special Olympics Russia Invitational Games is made up of competitions in several sports, among which is snowshoeing. The previous day, Alexandra Lisitsyna from the Arkhangelsk Region was a solid leader of the preliminary race. Keen on sports, she not only trains and competes but also picks up a cook and waiter job.

Alexandra started the Special Olympics Russia sports competitions when she was at school coached by the physical education teacher Sergey Khromov. Her favorite disciplines are bocce and snowshoeing. Back then, while studying at the Velsk boarding school, she claimed her first medals at large-scale international competitions. Having successfully performed at the Special Olympics Russia Games2017, in 2018 Alexandra competed in the European Bocce and Unified Bocce Tournament for the national team. In Belgium, she won two silvers – in individual and doubles.

In the boarding school, Alexandra coped with participating in both sports and the creative life of the school – she had bright choreographic performances at holidays.

In 2019, Alexandra graduated from high school and entered the Severodvinsk Industrial Vocational College, where she studies as a “cook-waiter”. “I love cooking and working with food. As a waitress, I like talking with people,” she said.

According to her, studying does not interfere with sport; neither does sport do with studying. “The main thing is not to play truant and pass the tests on time. Do not miss classes with a lame excuse and find at least one or two hours for sport,” Alexandra utters. “Since my school years, friends have asked how I handle studying well and performing at the competitions. You need patience, diligence, and skill.”

At the Kazan tournament, Alexandra competes in snowshoeing. Last year, at the Games in Tyumen, the athlete won a gold medal at 400 m distance and a silver medal at 800 m. This time she has the same intention to be the first again, “Before the trip, I was in the mood to win against all the odds.” At competitions, she gets the strength from the support, be it mental, of the coach and friends from Severodvinsk.

Sport plays a vital role and occupies an important place in Alexandra’s life. “At first I didn’t understand what sport is, why everybody admires that swimming so much, but then I realized that I will get nowhere without it. I need to move, I cannot sit around. Sport is my cup of tea, this is a great happiness!” she says.]]> Aleksandr Ivanov: I feel worried before the start, but I focus on the result and want to show off to the spectators https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/2pp1ccalb1-aleksandr-ivanov-i-feel-worried-before-t https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/2pp1ccalb1-aleksandr-ivanov-i-feel-worried-before-t?amp=true Sat, 06 Feb 2021 14:30:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Aleksandr Ivanov: I feel worried before the start, but I focus on the result and want to show off to the spectators

Figure skating competitions have started today in Kazan at the Special Olympics Russia Invitational Games. A 16-year-old Aleksandr Ivanov from Saint Petersburg is one of the participants. Even though he took up figure skating only 5 years ago, Aleksandr is already the winner of the World and European Special Olympics Games, and he has many gold medals in his collection.

A young Saint Petersburg resident successfully performed at major international competitions, but the first tournament was the most memorable – Special Olympics World Winter in Austria in 2017. “It was so beautiful there!” Aleksandr recalls.

Since childhood, Aleksandr loves speed ​​sports – roller skates, skates, bicycles, skate. A school physical education teacher suggested that I contacted the Special Olympics Committee of Saint Petersburg. Aleksandr began to study in the figure skating club when he was 11. About a year later – participation in competitions in Austria, then tournaments in Finland, in 2020 – Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games. Besides, if the athlete’s first performances were of the second degree of difficulty, now they are of the fourth degree. By the way, it was in Sweden that he performed with his favorite “Figaro” free routine.

“When we came to the club, everything began to work out quickly and well,” recalls Tatyana, Aleksandr’s mom. According to her, thanks to his participation in the Special Olympics movement and competitions, her son has become more disciplined, responsible, and focused on results.
Aleksandr trains 5 times a week. The coronavirus pandemic has made its adjustments – during the lockdown period, the athlete studied at home and repeated the programs, while in the summer he attended paid ice rinks. Tatyana says that Aleksandr happily went out on the ice after the break and remembered the programs. Now he is trying not to miss trainings, even if he has to get up at six in the morning. “I feel like sleeping, but we get up and go,” said Tatyana.

The athlete admits that he is worried before going on the ice at the competition. But he tries to tune in for the result more, to think about the good, and wants to show off to the spectators.
Aleksandr calls Alexey Yagudin, Alina Zagitova, Evgeniya Medvedeva his idols in figure skating; he also watches with interest the performances of Dmitriy Aliev and Mikhail Kolyada.
Now Aleksandr is aiming to go as high as the fifth degree of difficulty in figure skating and learn how to execute more complicated elements.

However, the interests of the Petersburg citizen are not limited to sports – he attends computer courses and tries himself in programming, and works with an English tutor to communicate at future international competitions with athletes from other countries.]]> Irina Nikitina: Special Olympics gave me what I lacked in the orphanage https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/oc4ll2s8s1-irina-nikitina-special-olympics-gave-me https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/oc4ll2s8s1-irina-nikitina-special-olympics-gave-me?amp=true Sat, 06 Feb 2021 12:40:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Irina Nikitina: Special Olympics gave me what I lacked in the orphanage

Irina took up sports when a child in her hometown, Penza. Sambo and judo martial arts were among her hobbies, but the girl fell in love with skates. “When I had free time after school, I rushed to the skating rink next to the orphanage, because I do love skating. Once a coach came to our school and asked who could skate. I ran up the first and exclaimed, “Me!” At the first training, he asked me to skate just a little bit, but I did 10 laps. They shouted to me to stop, but I kept skating and enjoying myself,” Irina recalls.

Working with a coach and her hard work helped Irina achieve success. In 2004, she headed to her first international competition in South Korea and came back with three golds along with a license for Special Olympics in Nagano.

“I’ve never thought that I will be going somewhere to compete in speed skating. Emotions were like any other athlete has who goes to an international tournament for the first time. When a person is from an orphanage having seen only the walls, travels to another city, another country, meets opponents, then there are definitely some worries. Anyway, I succeeded to take three gold medals,” the athlete notes.

Another success awaited Irina Nikitina at the Games in Japan. She won three more gold medals, and upon her return, she received an invitation to meet the President of Russia.

“Competitions in Japan are very memorable for me, emotions ran high. In Moscow, Irina Rodnina, Vyacheslav Fetisov, and Vladimir Putin signed each medal. After the Games, the athletes were invited to Moscow; we gathered in the Aleksandr Hall for an official meeting. The Special Olympics gave me everything that I lacked in the orphanage – confidence, goals in life, family,” says Irina, who believes that such competitions are very important for children.

“It is essential to engage children who live in boarding schools, orphanages, or special schools. Even those children who live with their parents often do not know about Special Olympics, where the child could fulfill himself or herself. Here, every child anyway remains a winner, even if he or she walked the distance. They will still be the first, will receive vivid emotions and a sense of admiration,” notes the Games multiple winner.

Irina motivates other children for sports with her own example, and she is happy to share her experience and help others: “Sometimes athletes from other cities who like my skating come up to me and ask how many years I have been training. When the guys see that there is an opportunity to show such a technique, they endeavor for this, they work more on themselves. For example, Ekaterina Zubova from Moscow, having once performed in hockey skates: when she saw my skating, she came up and said that sooner or later she would beat me by all means. So she raised her bar very high, achieved results, thanks to the fact that she followed an example from others.”

Irina’s sports achievements extend beyond short track speed skating. Recently, she got interested in cycling and dreams of performing at the Paralympics. With such a character the athlete will undoubtedly succeed. She admits that if she wants something, she does everything to pull it off.]]> In sport, I am guided by the faith, hope, and love https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/2k0y7pe0g1-in-sport-i-am-guided-by-the-faith-hope-a https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/2k0y7pe0g1-in-sport-i-am-guided-by-the-faith-hope-a?amp=true Sat, 06 Feb 2021 21:04:00 +0300 Invitational Games Sport

In sport, I am guided by the faith, hope, and love

The fans cheered up for the skaters with loud applause and gifted them soft toys, this way thanking them for the emotional performances. The athletes skated a short and free program for both single and pair skating, and the audience got to know the winners of the first medals. So, in the men’s free program, Saydash Kashapov (degree 1) and Nikolay Strelnikov (degree 2) were the best. In pair skating, Roman Zinurov and Anna Yakovleva from Saint Petersburg had a bright performance.

“Today we had a short program with Anna. Everything came out, everything was fine, we got points. We danced the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ program. Everyone liked it very much and said it was very beautiful. Tomorrow there will be a free program and we’ll need to perform a double salchow and axel. I am very worried. Although there are no opponents, I have to show what I can do and not to fall for the jump to go well. You have to jump in sync to make the audience happy.”

We have been performing together for 4 years now. Tatyana Navka for these competitions, we demonstrated our ‘Snow’ exhibition performance to the Philipp Kirkorov’s song. She really liked it!” Roman shared his impressions.

In addition, short track competitions started at the Sports Palace, and the victory of the multiple Special Olympics champion Irina Nikitina is worth noting. She showed the best time at a 500 m distance, competing against the men. Maria Mukhina took first place among girls. As for the men in different divisions, Kirill Volodin and Lenar Furin have the best results.

The snowshoeing competition continues at the Burevestnik stadium. In the relay races, the teams of the Sverdlovsk Oblast, Moscow, and Krasnodar Krai obtained the best results. The first places in different events were claimed by Lyudmila Ermolaeva, Tatyana Savchenko, Anna Askalina, Ekaterina Shatunova, Tatyana Ilyaschenko, Vera Ozhgibesova, Anna Chuprova, Mariya Nazymova, Vasilina Kalinina, Kristina Tarasova, Ekaterina Zvereva, Alyona Zhuravskaya, Anton Bashkatov, Danila Dynnik, Gennadiy Malakhov, Ilnur Khibatullin, Shandro Ogly, Ali Gasanov, Aleksandr Egorov, Andrey Teplyakov, Artyom Baranov, and Sergey Salmin.

“The Games gave very vivid impressions. I like the very idea of ​​such events, the cool organization,” Dariya Nazmutdinova uttered.

“I do love running! It makes the blood run and is very useful. I have been doing snowshoeing for the second year, at first I ran at home, and then I went to trainings, and it began to work out. In sport I am guided by the faith, hope, and love,” said the participant Olesya Sedletskaya.

But the participants of the snowshoeing races are not going to relax yet. Three more finals are ahead on Sunday. Over than this, the finals will be also held in figure skating and short track speed skating.]]> Special Olympics movement makes children self-confident https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/mzraheho71-special-olympics-movement-makes-children https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/mzraheho71-special-olympics-movement-makes-children?amp=true Sat, 06 Feb 2021 19:08:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Special Olympics movement makes children self-confident

At the stands of the Sviyaga Hills Ski Resort, Inna Perfilieva from the Chelyabinsk oblast roots for her children, so her support helped her sons Kirill and Pavel perform successfully in Kazan.

“Yesterday we won two golds at the Invitational Games, which gave us very colorful impressions. It seems to me that the children have not understood what happened yet,” Inna says. “Special Olympics movement is very important for children with inclusive abilities. It is vital for them to do something, have a goal, hold medals in their hands. It gives them confidence in life, which means a lot. Such holidays are very necessary. I wish the participants new acquaintances, meetings, and future trips. It is so exciting for them, this is their life.”

Other participants of the Invitational Games shared Inna’s words and noted the excellent level of organization and were willing to return to Kazan in 2022 for the Special Olympics World Games.

“My son Gleb has been going in for alpine skiing since 2015. He did not like the skis, and when he got up on the board, he fell for this. It started spinning right away. Thanks to our coach, we handled the task!” notes Ekaterina, mother of the Games participant Gleb Abdullin, who madу the top three in the giant slalom event. Ramil Girfanov, Andrey Skibin, Artyom Farkhutdinov, Nikolay Fyodorov, Semyon Fedotov, and Dmitry Tyufyakov were the other winners.

Anna Kushnaryova and Elena Nazarzoda representing the Sverdlovsk oblast showed the girls’ best time.

“Today everything came out. I have been snowboarding for two years. I also love swimming,” Anna said.

At the same time, the final 2.5 km free technique and the 4x1 km relay events were held in the Lokomotiv sports complex. Roman Uramov, Evgeniy Arkhipov, Nikolay Eremeev, Anna Syropyatova and Ruslana Marchenko became the winners in their divisions. Ten-degree frost did not embarrass the participants, and at the end of the competition, they headed to the Volga Region Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism for the awards ceremony, where they could share their impressions. Many of them attended the presentation of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 logo and were delighted with what they had seen.

On February 7, Sviyaga will host the slalom finals, while Lokomotiv – 100m classical and 1 km free technique finals.]]> I will long remember the Invitational Games https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/2eb5ei18y1-i-will-long-remember-the-invitational-ga https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/2eb5ei18y1-i-will-long-remember-the-invitational-ga?amp=true Sun, 07 Feb 2021 22:12:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

I will long remember the Invitational Games

Today, February 7, at the Lokomotiv Stadium, skiing competitions of the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games ended.

The rain in Kazan abruptly turned into tangible frosts, and these weather changes created rather tough conditions for skiers. However, all the events happened. Despite the severe cold, a cheerful and joyful environment reigned at the stadium. For many, frost was not an obstacle and even the other way around.

“The weather does not hinder us. Today our skiers run a 1 km distance. In the previous days, all three succeeded and won. Our credo is to work, work and work again. We are very pleased with both the competition and hospitality,”' said Olga Katkova, coach of the Tyumen Oblast team, a teacher of physical education at the Ishim boarding school. “We always go to the Special Olympics, but it’s our first time in Tatarstan. Kazan enchanted us, we really want to travel by underground, but don’t have time yet. There is a joyful, friendly atmosphere at the competitions. At the stadium, we had the same “box” with the team from Komi. Although our guys have hearing impairments, there were no obstacles to communication.

“We come from the Vologda Oblast, Velikiy Ustyug. Today we feel almost at home, although at home it is 37 degrees below zero. We have skiers and snowshoes here, pupils of a boarding school, aged 16-18. Today we have won four prizes. Very good impressions! Everything is great, organized at a high level,” the director of the Velikiy Ustyug Comprehensive Boarding School for Students with Disabilities Igor Kabakov shared his impressions. “The guys and I have been participating in the Special Olympics since 2011. This is a very useful area. Our children are teenagers like everyone else. When they go in for sports, they have less time left for idleness, bad habits. What is more, they set an example for the rest of the boarding school pupils: now 25 out of 170 of our children attend various sports classes. Sport helps them find themselves.”

By the last competition day, the athletes not only did not lose their energy and will to fight but seemingly have maxed out.

“It's just indescribable! I will long remember the Invitational Games! Plenty of emotions! The weather for sure let us down a bit, it was difficult on the track, it is harder to breathe in the cold, and I am worried about my results. However, very cool!” says 15-year-old Nikolay Furmanov from the Kostroma Oblast team. “There are many strong athletes. Such adrenaline! My dream is to come to the Special Olympics World Winter Games next year.

“Our children certainly want to make it through to the national team, but they are ready that the result may be different. Nevertheless, they try to perform to their best, as we got prepared. Now we have four golds one silver,” the coach of the Smolensk Center for Adaptive Physical Education Sergey Tikhonov says. “Our common impressions are wonderful. Yesterday we had a sightseeing tour of Kazan – what a beautiful city. We will be happy to come here again.”

Today, short track and figure skating competitions concluded on the ice arena of the Sports Palace in Kazan as part of the Special Olympics Russia Invitational Games.

The short track ended with finals at 111, 222, 333, and 777 m distances.

As the coaches of the Tatarstan team shared, all of the athletes are from residential care homes of Mendeleevsk, Mamadysh, Nizhnekamsk, and Kazan.

“All the guys have been preparing hard for the competition, of course, they worry, but they all want to win and qualify for the Special Olympics World Winter Games. All of them want to defend the honor of the country at these competitions,” said the representative of the coaching staff of the Tatarstan team. “We are naturally worried about them, we are anticipating their performance. The short track is new to us. We will continue to teach them. They have every chance, and they have enough talent to develop and reach a new level.

After the competition, the athletes shared their impressions of the Invitational Games and their stay in Kazan: “I liked how the ice was prepared, the venue itself. Kazan is a very beautiful city with many historical places,” says athlete Albina. She admits: she likes the competitions of the Invitational Games because here you can achieve better results.


“I love this sport. Competitions give me courage and bravery. I like to participate in the Invitational Games and win,” says Svetlana Medvedeva from the Sverdlovsk team. According to her, she really enjoyed the whole trip.


After the short track competitions were over, the final competitions of one of the most spectacular and the smallest sports in terms of the number of participants, figure skating, kicked off. Today, eight athletes skated the free routine (levels 3 and 4), including the only pair in Russia – Anna Yakovleva and Roman Zinurov.

“I have very good impressions of the Games. I am happy with how I performed, how everything went. We worked hard, I am grateful to the coaches and everyone who supports me,” says Anastasiya Shkiperova from the Saint Petersburg team. She had the program to the Chopin’s composition and won first place. The girl has been figure skating for 13 years, now she is at the Saint Petersburg Academy of Figure Skating.

For the coach of the “Crystal Horse” Ekaterinburg sports school, working with a pupil with intellectual disabilities was the first experience, and quite successful: his ward Vladimir Pryamikov became the silver medalist of the Invitational Games.

“Everything went well. Vladimir skated the program well. Music is the “Smile!” song by Muslim Magomaev he chose himself. I am very glad that he performed here. He is inspired, really wants to continue training. So we will carry on!]]> Festival of sports came off! https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/6ejlpnrra1-festival-of-sports-came-off https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/6ejlpnrra1-festival-of-sports-came-off?amp=true Sun, 07 Feb 2021 19:09:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Festival of sports came off!

On the final day of the Games, snowshoeing competitors ran distances of 50, 200, and the longest 800 m. The frosty weather was challenging for the athletes, but it was all the more pleasant to take on a warm jacket, drink hot tea at the finish, and then get a medal at the awards ceremony, which all athletes were rightfully worthy of. The guys from the Krasnodar Krai probably had the most unusual experience. Their coaches said they were preparing for the competitions at +13 outside, and in Kazan they had to get used to sub-zero temperatures.

The best time at different distances was shown by Dinara Sadikova, Sergey Geroev, Olga Pupysheva, Marina Novosyolova, Mariya Potapova, Kristina Tarasova, Oksana Zaytseva, Vasilisa Kalinina, Ekaterina Zadorozhnaya, Anna Seminikhina, Maria Yafarova, Anton Bashkatov, Aleksandr Iordan, Aleksandr Petukhov, Ilnur Khibatullin, Valery Chufranov, Alexey Andryukhin, Danil Starovoitov, Alexander Pomosov, Alexander Gaskov, Alexey Manaev, Alexander Fokin, Ekaterina Zvereva, Artem Baranov and Sergey Salmin.

“I have been training for the Games for a long while, and the first starts were exciting. But I didn’t get bewildered and ran decently. Snowshoeing is a very unusual sport, but I liked it right away. I enjoy it. I liked the organization of the Games and hopefully will come to Kazan in 2022!” Kristina Tarasova from the Irkutsk Oblast commented.

“I chose snowshoes because I really like running. The participants in Kazan are very good, and the organization is cool! I wish everyone successful performances in the future. Sport gives me good impressions and positive emotions,” Ksenia Byakhova shared her emotions.

Sviyaga Hills Ski Complex hosted the slalom finals among snowboarders and skiers. Irina Rudakova, Olga Shutova, Alexandra Davydenko, Vasily Kukhtevich, Roman Novikov, Nikita Isaev, Artem Kalichenko, Anna Tomskikh, Tatyana Bandurina, Aleksandr Bylkov, Aleksandr Nikolaev, Antonina Bobkova, and Elena Nazarzoda claimed golds in these events.

“Everybody withstood, everybody was doing a good job! The track is wonderful, the volunteers are friendly. All in all, the festival of sports came off! We were satisfied,” said Alpine skiing coach Gulya Dyudina.

“Such competitions mean a lot to us. For children, this is an additional training, they aspire to new goals. This makes them very organized, boosts their immunity. Training without competition is not quite the same thing. I want to congratulate all the guys,” said the mother of one of the participants.

The participants, their parents, and coaches thanked the organizers for their hospitality and are willing to come back to Kazan in 2022 for the Special Olympics.]]> Roman Zinurov: Special Olympics gave me life, sport, and friendship https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/eniikd8ok1-roman-zinurov-special-olympics-gave-me-l https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/eniikd8ok1-roman-zinurov-special-olympics-gave-me-l?amp=true Sun, 07 Feb 2021 14:32:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Roman Zinurov: Special Olympics gave me life, sport, and friendship

For over four years, the most titled athlete of the Special Olympic Committee of Saint Petersburg, Roman Zinurov, has been skating on the ice together with Anna Yakovleva. He has been involved in figure skating for more than 20 years and does not think about leaving this sport. “I do like it!” the athlete admits.

One can say that Roman took up figure skating by chance. In the early 90s, the coaches of the Special Olympic Committee came to their boarding school. Having selected several guys, they were advised to look at another boy who was a good dancer. “I really loved physical education and sports. They offered me to do a pistol, so I did it,” Roman recalls. First, I had classes in a gym, and then followed the trainings on the ice – initially on hockey skates, and figure skates next.

March 1993 was the first time Roman traveled to the international competitions in Austria – to the Special Olympics World Winter Games. “I met Oleg Protopopov and Lyudmila Belousova there. I then rose to the third level, ad Protopopov helped me to do the arched backs,” the athlete recalls.

Afterward, he competed in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in the USA, Japan, South Korea but he enjoyed the trip to Toronto in 1997 the most. That competition gave rise to a friendship that is going on to date regardless of the distances.

At competitions in Canada, Roman took first place. The American athlete liked his performance. “Brandon saw how well I was skating and told his mom Renae that he wanted to get to know me. We knew each other and together went to the outdoor skating rink,” Roman still recalls those competitions with warm feelings. The guys made pen pals, and after the tournament in Alaska, Brandon and his mother invited Roman to visit them. He admits that he was very pleased to get such an invitation. He visited his friend more than once after that, and they would always go to the rink together. Like Roman, Brandon, keeps playing sports. Now they are texting and calling each other. Roman really wants his friend to come to Kazan for the World Winter Games in 2022.

For a long time, Roman performed in single figure skating, and 4 years ago, he paired up with Anna Yakovleva. According to the athlete, when he performed alone, he was experiencing excitement; jumping was the most difficult. When performing with Anya, Roman is trying to do his best to make them look like a couple on the ice. “You need to give her a hand, make a crossover with her, support,” the athlete explains. “Everyone says that we are a beautiful couple. My coaches are very happy.”

At the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games in Kazan, Roman and Anna presented a ‘Romeo and Juliet’ short program. “Everything came out, everything was fine, we got points. Since there was a short program, we were not very worried,” the athlete shared after the performance. In the free routine, they will have to perform jumps – double salchow and axel. “I am very worried. Although there are no opponents, I have to show what I can do and not to fall for the jump to go well. You have to jump in sync to make the audience happy,” the athlete said.
At the competition, Roman and Anna demonstrated the Olympic champion Tatyana Navka ‘Snow’ exhibition performance to the Philipp Kirkorov’s song. “She really liked it!” Roman exclaimed.


Athletes are training at the figure skating academy. Roman manages to engage not only in his favorite sport but also plays basketball, participated in competitions in Dubai.
According to Roman, you can feel athletic spirit of at the competition, joy is visible in their eyes. And the athlete personally tries in every possible way to support and encourage young athletes, who sometimes do not succeed in everything.

Athlete is certain in his words, “Special Olympics movement gave me life, sport and friendship and certainly health.”]]> “Everything was great, thank you Kazan!” https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/9ujbryt151-everything-was-great-thank-you-kazan https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/9ujbryt151-everything-was-great-thank-you-kazan?amp=true Mon, 08 Feb 2021 15:34:00 +0300 Invitational Games Official Events

“Everything was great, thank you Kazan!”

From 3 to 8 February, Kazan hosted the Special Olympics Russia Invitational Games having gathered more than 500 athletes from 36 regions of Russia. This event was a kind of a test event leading up to the Special Olympics World Winter Games, scheduled for January 22-28, 2022. The participants shared their memories about the Games in Kazan.

Olga Tyurina, coach of the Krasnodar Krai team
“Organization is excellent, competitions were delivered at the top level. All the guys are delighted and happy. We came from the Krasnodar Krai and had a +13 to –13 temperature jump, but our team performed well. The guys have amazing emotions. Such competitions inspire them, bring adaptation, communication with others, and experience exchange. For sure it was wonderful to look at our enormous country. We had a sightseeing tour around Kazan that we loved. I am sure that in a year Kazan will perfectly handle the delivery of Special Olympics. Look what a wonderful campus is in the Universiade Village, outstanding infrastructure. Kazan will certainly succeed!”

Karina Arslanova, athlete’s mom
“I always have good impressions of Kazan. You know how to make sports festivals. Everything was well thought out, I liked everything a lot. Such competitions as the Invitational Games are 100% essential. For example, my daughter has Down syndrome. She can only develop in sports, and for the third season, we have been doing alpine skiing in the adaptive club. Sport is a niche where we can develop and enhance ourselves for many years to come. My daughter is busy, she has goals and dreams – to get to Special Olympics. It’s so great. Thank you very much Kazan!”

Mikhail Tatarkin, Head of the Naberezhnye Chelny team
“Special Olympics is very stimulating and motivating. It is important for the guys to demonstrate themselves, make conclusions, and build the plans. Through the communication in the Universiade Village the guys make a message for future success, a social environment is being created. This is what they go to the competition for. It is not so important here whether you win or lose. The main thing is to find yourself in sports and life. There are one-off events when the guys leave the sport after such competitions. Many go further and evolve. They charge themselves with emotions and positivity like batteries.”

Anna Sedelkova, Special Olympics Russia Sports Advisor in Figure Skating, Saint Petersburg
“Everything went perfectly well. The organization itself was great, flawless! Good job! This is a huge incentive for the guys, they are adapting to life. People work and see the world. We have been at seven Olympics in different parts of the world – Japan, Austria, America twice, and Canada. These competitions are very important for the athletes. People overcome themselves when they start doing sports. After all, nothing comes out right away. You need to do it a million times to break through and succeed.”]]> Nikita Tsukhlov: “Like other sports, floorball gives athletes new emotions” https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/ssnlk7a5r1-nikita-tsukhlov-like-other-sports-floorb https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/ssnlk7a5r1-nikita-tsukhlov-like-other-sports-floorb?amp=true Mon, 08 Feb 2021 15:21:00 +0300 Sport Invitational Games

Nikita Tsukhlov: “Like other sports, floorball gives athletes new emotions”

The program of the Special Olympics World Winter Games to be held in Kazan in 2022 has floorball competitions among other sports. The sport is young but perfect for both children and adults. In Kazan, Nikita Tsukhlov, a student of the Volga Region Academy of Physical Education, Sport and Tourism, coaches the floorball team of the boarding school No. 1. He is also a partner of the unified floorball team of the Tatarstan Republican branch of Special Olympics Russia.

Floorball is a very young sport that emerged as a more affordable alternative to hockey. In Russia, floorball began to actively develop in the late 2000s and now keeps gaining in popularity. This sport is good for both adults and children. According to Nikita, floorball develops coordination, attention, it is accessible and can be practiced all year round.

Nikita himself got interested in this sport more than 8 years ago in Ulyanovsk. “I caught the wave of floorball growing popularity. So I was invited to the team and proceeded with trainings,” he said.

Now the young athlete is a Kazan citizen and a second-year student of the Volga Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism. “When I was getting ready for enrollment, I cooperated with the Department of Adaptive Physical Education,” Nikita said. “It turned out that my sport is sought-after in this area. I was offered to try a hand at training the children. At first, I was an assistant coach. By the time I entered the academy I already had some experience, I began to train the younger group. The coach was working with an older guys. I wanted to both go in for sports and discover a new trend for myself. Besides, I like helping people.”

As part of the unified floorball team, Nikita participated in the qualifying competitions in Kazan. Ahead of the team lays the selection for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022. “We are training hard with the number of trainings going up. We hope it lies in our power to make it through the selection,” Nikita added. It is worth noting that there are 10-12 people in the floorball team, of which, according to the rules of unified competitions, there are two partners, the rest are athletes aged over 15.

Like any other sport, floorball gives athletes the opportunity to develop, look at life at a new angle, and brings new emotions. “The children we train live in a boarding school. We go to different competitions, where they get new impressions,” Nikita shared with us.]]> “It is important to be a part of something bigger!” https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/cr0sz17l41-it-is-important-to-be-a-part-of-somethin https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/cr0sz17l41-it-is-important-to-be-a-part-of-somethin?amp=true Mon, 08 Feb 2021 18:09:00 +0300 Invitational Games Volunteers

“It is important to be a part of something bigger!”

As many as 500 volunteers took part in the Special Russia Invitational Games in Kazan. Each of them has gone through a serious selection that required volunteering experience and skills, as well as the desire to become a part of a bigger project meant to help those who need it so much.

Yuliya Sharipova has been participating as a volunteer in organizing mass races for over 7 years. In sports, she is guided by a constant movement, and in volunteer work – by meeting interesting people, learning something new, and the opportunity to help others. Yuliya considered work at the Invitational Games as an extension of her experience. The project helped her in this and also gave her the opportunity to have a look at the world and at herself at a new angle.

“I was busy at Burevestnik, and my duties included meeting the athletes in the start area, accompanying them to the starting line, helping to put off their outerwear, meeting them at the finish line, helping to get dressed, and accompanying to the coach. The sociability of the guys was a revelation for me – through those 100 meters up to the start that we passed together, we had good time to know each other, to learn something about each other. I was rooting for those who moved forward. We made friends with the guys from the teams of the Sverdlovsk, Kostroma Oblasts, Saint Petersburg, and Tatarstan,” Yulia is happy to tell us. “What astonished me most is that in three days the athletes had a +2 to -20 temperature jump. Nobody was ready for this. The guys did not have the opportunity to warm up for a long time, change clothes, and so on. They ran the distance, and soon a new start began but none of them backed down. We, ordinary people, are afraid of difficulties, and these guys are absolutely not afraid of anything. Their bravery and readiness to perform under any conditions lead to sincere admiration. I am still impressed.

Yuliya is planning to continue volunteering within the framework of the Special Olympics movement, gain enough experience, show herself, and join the team of volunteers of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Kazan 2022. At the Invitational Games, the girl got finally convinced that it was necessary to strive for this goal.

Amina Gumerova is studying for a teacher of adaptive physical education at the Volga State Academy of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism in Kazan. The girl was engaged in skiing for several years, for about three years she has been participating in volunteer projects, including those connected with helping the elderly. The Invitational Games got to be an opportunity for Amina to combine all these skills and to work as efficiently as possible at the Sviyaga Hills Ski Complex as a venue volunteer, accompanying the athlete to the start and meeting him or her at the finish line.

“The weather was a challenge for both athletes and volunteers. It is very windy at Sviyaga but we all felt our responsibility, and this helped to work in good faith. It was very nice to see the athletes’ reaction to their performances. One of the guys came first, and approached each volunteer and judge, sincerely shared his emotions. We rejoiced together with him,” Amina shares her impressions. “Almost all athletes were very positive and sociable. It is believed that it is not easy to communicate with people with intellectual disabilities but in fact it can be learned and it will be useful for everyone. Abundance of positive emotions that we all experienced at the Invitational Games prove this right.

Taliya Sadykova first came to volunteering at the age of 15, and right away to a large-scale event – Summer Universiade Kazan 2013. Since then, the girl has been trying to participate in various projects: she likes being one of those who are selflessly ready to be a part of something bigger, to live a worthy life filled with emotions.

“When you participate in something special, then you become special yourself. At these Invitational Games, my old dream has come true: I got an attaché position, a person who helps the guests, answers all their questions, does everything to make the stay away from homeland as comfortable as possible. I was assigned to a delegation from Kostroma. I am a very big patriot and really love my hometown, my native Tatarstan, but when you are an attaché, you give your heart to the delegates. Therefore, I was greatly cheering up for the Kostroma team, which I accompanied. We made very good friends. On the day of their departure, I did not want to say goodbye. The delegation made me a very nice keepsake that was so pleasant and unexpected,” Taliya shares her feelings. “There was another moving situation: one day, while I was waiting for my delegates, a friendly athlete from Novosibirsk came up to me. We got to talking, and saying goodbye, he called me his best friend. On the last day at the skiers’ awards ceremony, he was officially handed a magenta ribbon for the 4th place. He was delighted to take it, was very proud, with a big smile on his face he showed it to his friends and coaches, and then came up to me ... and presented it to me. To say that I was speechless is to say nothing.


Taliya was most impressed by the courage and bravery of the athletes. She really likes the motto: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

“In one of the snowshoeing races, I looked at a boy who was very tired. He stopped every few meters to catch his breath. All the other athletes overtook him long ago, but he did not give up, boldly and with dignity went to the end. I think he is much stronger than all of us. Optimism and will to live are something we can all learn from these people,” Taliya says.

“The most important thing that helped me to understand the Invitational Games – I really love children and people in general. I think it was during these few days that I finally got determined about my future profession. In two years I will become a pediatrician and work with such wonderful children.”]]> Veronika Mayorova: “At competitions, I feel the support of coaches, at home – my family” https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/zsk4mgdxb1-veronika-mayorova-at-competitions-i-feel https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/zsk4mgdxb1-veronika-mayorova-at-competitions-i-feel?amp=true Mon, 08 Feb 2021 15:23:00 +0300 Invitational Games Sport

Veronika Mayorova: “At competitions, I feel the support of coaches, at home – my family”

Veronika Mayorova took up sports at the Kazan boarding school No.1 for physically challenged children. First, she attended sports classes for table tennis and badminton, where physical education teacher Andrey Bychkov trained Veronica. She took part in the school, district, and all-Russian competitions winning the prizes. And in 2019, together with her badminton partner, Veronica entered the top three at the Special Olympics Russia Invitational Games.

Moreover, the young athlete plays football, dabbled in unified floorball, and participated in cross-country skiing competitions at the Winter Invitational Games. According to her, she is enthusiastic about endeavoring for different sports. In 2020, the leadership of the Tatarstan regional branch of the Special Olympics Russia approved Veronica Mayorova for the “Leader-Athlete” title.

The athlete has noted that it does not matter to her whether she performs at home or somewhere in another city. She also told about the preparations for Olympics: they increased trainings up to 2-3 times a week taking place on the school site. “At competitions, I feel the support of coaches, at home – my family,” the athlete told us.]]> “I put my soul and heart into sports” https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/in6jjz76c1-i-put-my-soul-and-heart-into-sports https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/in6jjz76c1-i-put-my-soul-and-heart-into-sports?amp=true Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:58:00 +0300 Invitational Games Sport

“I put my soul and heart into sports”

SHOWSHOEING AT THE BUREVESTNIK STADIUM

In the snowshoe race, it is time for the finals – in the first category at 25 m and the third – 200 m. Early in the morning, the athletes gathered at the Burevestnik stadium for a warm-up followed by the races. The drizzling rain did not spoil the competitors’ mood. They showed worthy results and deserved congratulations from the coaches at the finish.

In the first category for women at a 25 m distance, Anastasia Gurova from the Arkhangelsk Oblast, Darya Ivanova from the Irkutsk Oblast, and Natalya Bogdanova topped the three fastest finishers. Among men, Aleksandr Yunusov from the Sverdlovsk Oblast, Narek Stepanyan from the Novgorod Oblast, and Alexey Kruglyakov from the Krasnodar Krai showed the best time.

“In general, I play football and have recently won the Moscow championship among people with Down syndrome. I had bronze there and silver today. There are not so many competitions for people with disabilities, and we are glad to have come to Kazan. We enjoyed it so much here! The main thing was participation; we did not aim for the result, but just to perform. We hope that we will take part in such competitions regularly, and the delegation of our oblast will get bigger,” said Narek Stepanyan. “The organization in Kazan is super. I put my soul and heart into sports. I dream of being a football player. Thanks to all my teachers!”

Stella Shakirova from the Republic of Bashkortostan, Yulia Ozhogina from the Chelyabinsk Oblast, and Anastasia Kopylova from the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug ran the 200 m distance the fastest. Aleksandr Kozlov from the Krasnodar Krai, Nikolay Severinov, and Danil Mukhin (both from Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug) had the best results among men.

“I want to try everything, so I took up this sport. I do like the way the competitions are delivered, they help, and welcome. This is my first award in this sport. I had awards in summer sportsб for instance, in athletics,” said Darya Ivanova from the Irkutsk Oblast.

The snowshoe race will proceed on 6 February.

“HAPPINESS AND JOY FROM WHAT IS GOING ON”

Many exciting and spectacular events took place at the snowboarding and alpine skiing competitions at Sviyaga Hills.

In the novice snowboarding group, Anna Kushkaryova and Victoriya Pakina showed the best results among women, Ramil Girfanov, Aleksandr Biryukov, and Rodion Rumyantsev – among men. Some guys have just started training, but thanks to their aspiration, they succeed in showing good results.

“Everything is very well organized. Many thanks to the volunteers – they help a lot. Everything goes smoothly. My guys began practicing last year, so we just get started comparing to all the rest. We are happy to have come and  see what we need to strive for, we will work on it,” said Aleksandr Shishkov, coach of Aleksandr and Rodion.

Andrey Skibin, Gleb Abdullin, Nikolay Fyodorov, and Artyom Fakhrutdinov had the best times in the snowboarding intermediate event, and Dmitry Tyufyakov and Semyon Fedotov demonstrated the highest results among the advanced competitors. Elena Nazarzoda claimed the victory among the advanced girls.

“Such competitions give athletes self-confidence. Happiness, joy from what is going on. Everything is super,” said the coach of the Saint Petersburg team Pyotr Novikov.

In alpine skiing, Yulya Galeeva, Aleksandr Nikolaev, Anna Gorshkova, Anastasiya Aksyonova, Aleksandr Davydenko, Roman Novikov, Vladislav Medynskiy, Tatyana Osina, Artyom Kalichenko, Kirill Porfiliev, and Tatyana Bandurina have the best results.

Golnur Sungatova, a coach from Kazan, “Organization is just outstanding. The track is excellent, the judges, everything is fine. The Invitational Games is about communication, contacts exchange. This is incredible social engagement.”


Snowboarding and alpine skiing competitions will proceed on 6 February.]]> Tatyana Navka: “You are very sportive and beautiful! Thanks for your courage!” https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/se8e0ajds1-tatyana-navka-you-are-very-sportive-and https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/se8e0ajds1-tatyana-navka-you-are-very-sportive-and?amp=true Fri, 05 Feb 2021 17:40:00 +0300 Invitational Games Official Events

Tatyana Navka: “You are very sportive and beautiful! Thanks for your courage!”

Today, on February 5, the Olympic champion in figure skating and ambassador of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2022 Tatyana Navka gave a master class at the Sports Palace ice arena in Kazan.

The event was attended by the figure skaters from the Sverdlovsk and Smolensk oblasts, Tatarstan, and Saint Petersburg, who came to Kazan for the Special Olympics Russia Winter Invitational Games.

The Olympic champion demonstrated how to execute simple and complex skating movements correctly and helped each attendee to repeat them enhancing their technique. Although the athletes were of different ages and fitness levels, Tatyana Navka managed to find a common language with everyone and make the lesson as inspiring as possible. Everyone got many impressions and new skills – from the youngest athlete Alina from Tatarstan aged 10 to the grown-up 43-year-old figure skater Roman Zinurov from Saint Petersburg.

At the end of the master class, Tatyana Navka expresses her sincere gratitude to the athletes uttering, “I'm very impressed! You are very sportive and beautiful! Thank you for your courage. It is so delightful to see that young people are also skating, since there are not so many of them in the national figure skating today. Special Olympics 2022 is ahead. This is a momentous international competition, and it is a great joy and honor to participate in them.”

Afterward, Olga Slutsker President of Special Olympics Russia joined Tatyana Navka and the skaters to talk with the journalists.

Anna Yakovleva, a skater from Saint Petersburg: “We liked it a lot. We performed the elements that are necessary to skate to a high standard, sharpened them up together with Tatyana. Having memorized our weak sports, in the future we will try to do them right to have a much better result.” Anna and her partner Roman Zinurov are the only Russian pair of figure skaters participating in the Special Olympics movement.

“I am astonished at the athletes’ training level. Physical fitness, stamina, and gracefulness are essential in this sport. Today they skated rather professionally, doing complex elements. These guys have dreams and goals they pursue, thus supporting them is very important. Each region can join in these activities and find a way to organize sports clubs. As a Special Olympics ambassador my goal is to promote the principle that both ordinary people and people with disabilities should have equal opportunities to learn, compete, set goals and achieve them,” said Tatyana Navka. “In the near future, I’m planning to start working on developing the classes with such children in my figure skating school to help them reach the same level as our other pupils.”

“As of today, Special Olympics Russia accounts for 128 thousand athletes; throughout the year we deliver about 5 thousand events across the whole country. Join our movement! Although it is absolutely free it gives an excellent opportunity for your loved one to become a part of society, learn sports skills, and you will see which truly marvelous changes will happen to him or her!” Olga Slutsker emphasized.

]]> Angela Kolyadina: “Champion “of all trades” https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/bzkpzkbhl1-angela-kolyadina-champion-of-all-trades https://www.sokazan2022.com/news/tpost/bzkpzkbhl1-angela-kolyadina-champion-of-all-trades?amp=true Thu, 04 Feb 2021 10:48:00 +0300 Invitational Games Sport

Angela Kolyadina: “Champion “of all trades”

A graduate of the special boarding school No. 4 in Moscow, she is a great achiever in various sports but plumped for floorball.

Angela began to actively go in for sports when she was five. Sergey Bykovskiy – coach of the Moscow Orphanage No. 70, where the future champion was brought up – made plenty of efforts to ensure that his wards could have an opportunity to test themselves in various sports. Badminton, volleyball, and floorball – this is all Angela put on a role in.

Participation in the Special Olympics Russia Invitational Games for the girl started with a floorball competition. She claimed first victories in badminton competitions having won the title of medalist and winner of the Invitational Games. Today, Angela is one of the team leaders, the winner of the Special Olympics Summer Games in Los Angeles (2015, volleyball), bronze medalist of the Special Olympics Austria Winter Invitational Games in (2017, floorball).

The girl admits that floorball is her main sports passion. “Floorball in Special Olympics is unlike the standard type of this sport. The field is smaller and teams play not 6x6, but 3x3 but each teammate has a higher responsibility”, Angela explains. “This is really a gambling game. You need to unite the efforts; this is largely my role as a captain.”

More recently, Angela’s all-female team has been training with young men. In the game against the male team, the pressure is greater, and this allows for increasing the classes efficiency.

“In floorball, you can train on your own, practice strikes against the boards. But only group trainings allow you to enhance your technique, passes, reaction, learn to use the rules of the game for your benefit,” Angela says. “When a new player comes, we help him reveal his strengths and exercise them on the field of play. Everyone has their own techniques, so we add them altogether for the victory.”

It is sport that helps a girl build comfortable relationships with the world outside, perceive various events through the lens of a team game, accept defeat with dignity, and learn from them.

Friends and colleagues in sports speak about Angela with great warmth – she is proud, beautiful, self-possessed, fair, and worthy of her captain’s armband. In ordinary life, a girl works in one of the Russian online markets, she likes reading books and listening to music. Angela is also the owner of a luxurious braid that is impossible not to admire.

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