Fina world junior synchronised swimming championships begin in Kazan
The 15th edition of the FINA World Junior Synchronised Swimming Championships kicked off in Kazan on July 9. A press conference dedicated to the kick-off of the tournament was held at the Aquatics Palace with the attendance of International Swimming Federation (FINA) President Dr. Julio C. Maglione, Russian Synchronised Swimming Federation President Aleksey Vlasenko, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports of the Republic of Tatarstan Vladimir Leonov and senior coach of the Russian junior synchronised swimming team Natalya Mendygalieva.
“I feel at home in Tatarstan. I enjoy coming here again and again. Your city and republic are one of the most important sports places in the world. Vladimir Leonov, Azat Kadyrov and Aleksey Vlasenko have a unique team that stages competitions to the highest possible standard,” said Julio C. Maglione in his welcome speech. “This tournament will be incredible because it brought together athletes representing 34 nations from five continents. FINA is proud that in the lead-up to the Olympic Games best junior synchro swimmers will perform in Kazan. And the credit for this goes not only to FINA, but also to Russia, Tatarstan and Kazan.”
For his part, Aleksey Vlasenko expressed gratitude to Tatarstan leaders for their efforts in staging a growing number of tournaments in aquatic sports. “I would like to say many thanks to Vladimir Leonov, Azat Kadyrov and Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov. In all my interviews, I keep telling what a beautiful aquatic sports capital we have. Of course, I refer to Kazan, Tatarstan. During FINA meetings, I ask my colleagues from other countries of the world in which city they would like to host a world synchro swimming or diving championships. They all vote for Kazan. And this is the result of the hard work done by the team that Tatarstan has,” Aleksey Vlasenko concluded.
The previous experience of staging major tournaments in aquatic sports is quite helpful in the delivery of new sporting events, Vladimir Leonov said. “It’s flattering to hear such kind words about ourselves, but we should admit that we wouldn't have succeeded without the personal support of Aleksey Vlasenko, the national federation and our colleagues from FINA, headed by Julio C. Maglione,” Tatarstan’s Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports returned the compliment. “Last year we took a huge step forward when we hosted a mega event – the FINA World Championships. We tested all our venues. And today, when we host the FINA World Junior Synchro Swimming Championships, we do not face any problems in terms of event management. The venue is ready to stage any event to the highest standard; competent management has been established. And it comes as no surprise that athletes and officials that come here for competitions feel nothing but gratitude.”
The Minister’s words were echoed by Natalya Mendygalieva, who was satisfied with the results of the preliminary rounds. “The tournament in Kazan is staged to a high standard. I would like to thank the organisers for a warm welcome. We feel at home here and when we come to Kazan, we know that we will be in good hands. We are aware that in Kazan even the walls help. Our sport in gaining popularity; athletes from five continents compete in it,” said the senior coach of the Russian junior synchronised swimming team.
Kazan is actively planning to host aquatic tournaments in years to come, Vladimir Leonov informed. “Presently, we are developing a schedule not only for the year 2017, but for the following years as well, up until 2022. We discuss the possibility of hosting the next edition of the FINA World Synchro Swimming Championships, FINA/NVC World Diving Series, FINA World Junior Water Polo Championships, FINA World Swimming Cup. In collaboration with FINA and national federations, we plan to host three or four competitions per year in Kazan,” Tatarstan’s Sports Minister summed up.