Kazan's Aquatics Palace hosted the opening ceremony of the Friendship Games Phase II international swimming competition.
The opening ceremony was attended by Azat Kadyrov, First Deputy Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation, Rustam Kalimullin, Member of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation of the eighth convocation and member of the Committee on Physical Culture and Sport, Vladimir Salnikov, President of the All-Russian Swimming Federation, Vladimir Leonov, Minister of Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rector of the Volga Region State University of Physical Culture, Sport and Tourism Rafis Burganov and Renat Nugeibek, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Swimming Federation.
"On behalf of the Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation Oleg Matytsin we welcome you to this wonderful sporting event called the Games of Friendship. This is a momentous event which brings together sports fans from many countries and all continents. We would like to thank President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Nurgalievich Minnikhanov and all organisers for the opportunity to hold these events. We wish the athletes easy water and unforgettable emotions to the audience," Azat Kadyrov said.
The second stage of the Friendship Games Swimming Tournament will bring together 1,146 swimmers from 22 countries. Two cups will be drawn, which will be awarded to the best athletes determined by FINA points. The prize fund of the tournament is 3.14 million roubles.
"It is a great joy and honour for us to host the second series of the Friendship Games project. A huge thank you to everyone who came to our country, to Kazan. They are representatives of 22 countries, and it's a very serious, even unique, figure. A huge thank you to all our partners - the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation, All-Russian Swimming Federation and everyone who helped to organise this tournament. Let's enjoy the beautiful swimming and wait for great results. Happy swimming holiday to everyone!" - Vladimir Leonov stated.
A colourful show with the participation of dancers of the "Moment" and "Saidash" theatres, as well as the folk choir of KazGIK and singer Karina Ziganshina, was organised for the audience of the opening ceremony. The hero of the performance was a multimedia water drop, which embodied the basic values of sport and harmonious life.
"We would like to wish everyone to enjoy the spectacle of wrestling, athletes to perform at their best, and fans to cheer!" - said Vladimir Salnikov, who declared the swimming competition of the second stage of the Friendship Games open.
"The Friendship Games are international swimming, synchronised swimming and diving competitions held in Kazan from July to December 2022. The World I stage of the Friendship Games was successfully held from July 19 to August 3. The total of 984 athletes and 237 teams from 16 countries competed in the event, and 376 sets of medals were awarded. The second edition of the Friendship Games takes place from 10 to 25 November.
