FINA diving World series 2018 gets underway in Kazan
Tatarstan’s capital city plays stage to the FINA Diving World Series for the fourth time in its history. Over 500 top athletes from 12 countries have arrived in Kazan this year. The competition schedule of the tournament started in the morning on May 4, and the official opening ceremony ran before the evening session of Day 1.
Such officials as President of the International Swimming Federation (FINA) Julio Maglione, FINA Executive Director Cornel Marculescu, Russian Diving Federation President Alexey Vlasenko, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan Vladimir Leonov, First Deputy Head of Executive Committee of Kazan and Tatarstan Diving Federation President Damir Fattakhov, СNSG Vice President Mr. WEI Weige, and two-time Olympic champion Dmitriy Sautin were present at the ceremony.
“Kazan has already become a home stage for the big FINA family. The major aquatics events are held here annually. What’s more, Kazan is the sports capital of Russia. I would like to say thank you to Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan Vladimir Leonov and Russian Diving Federation President Alexey Vlasenko. Also, I want to welcome all the athletes and coaches and wish them good luck,” noted Dr Julio Maglione.
In his welcoming remarks Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan Vladimir Leonov was grateful to the FINA Bureau for the vote of confidence from them for those four years.
“The Aquatics Palace was a host venue for the Russian Synchronised Swimming Championship not long ago. The diving tournament begins today. The FINA Swimming World Cup is coming here this autumn. Good luck to all the participants and may the audience enjoy this spectacular event! The sporting weekend is sure to excel,” noted the Minister.
During the opening ceremony of the FINA Diving World Series, the FINA management officials awarded the China national sport group, the Directorate for Sports and Social Projects, the Kazan City and the Russian Diving Federation with letters of gratitude to be presented to Mr. WEI Weige, Vladimir Leonov, Damir Fattakhov and Alexey Vlasenko by Dr Julio Maglione himself.