Third All-Russian Beach Games begin in Kazan

A press conference dedicated to the kickoff of the third All-Russian Beach Games (7-16 July) was held today, July 6, at the Aquatics Palace, Kazan. The 2017 edition of the games features 13 sports. So far it’s the record number for this event. The games will take place at 11 playing fields of two sports venues in Kazan.

Director General of the Russian Association of Beach Sports, Ilya Volodarsky, thanked the organisers and pointed out that July 6 is a memorable date for the Tatarstan capital and the entire Russian sport.

“I would like to thank the Republic of Tatarstan for its hospitality and efforts. Exactly 4 years ago here, in Kazan, the World University Games kicked off and many beach sports were featured in its programme. After the Games ended, a meeting chaired by the Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation was held here, at the Aquatics Palace, and it was decided to found the Association of Beach Sports. I would like to congratulate Kazan on the fourth anniversary of hosting the Summer Universiade and establishing the Association of Beach Sports,” Ilya Volodarsky said.

In his welcome speech, Director General of the Directorate for Sports and Social Projects, Azat Kadyrov, stressed that hosting the World University Games in Kazan became a huge step forward in the development of sports in Tatarstan, and wished good weather to participants of the forthcoming games.

“We all remember this date – the opening day of a huge sports festival that Kazan and entire Russia staged very successfully. This event provided an impetus for many other major competitions. Thank you for such a high assessment of the city. We hope that the rain will stop, the beach games will be played in a good weather and participants will be able to show their skills. We look forward to seeing beach sports fans at our venues!”Azat Kadyrov summed up.

The third All-Russian Beach Games in Kazan are organised by the Ministry of Sport of Russia, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sport of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russian Association of Beach Sports, Directorate for Sports and Social Projects, as well as national federations responsible for beach sports contested at the games in Kazan.

The full schedule of the third All-Russian Beach Games is available here https://dspkazan.com/projects/current/beachgames2017/