Rustam Minnikhanov meets Tatarstan team at the Special Olympics United Games

On 22 January before the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics United Games, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Russian Sports Minister Oleg Matytsin and the President of the Russian Special Olympics Olga Slutsker met athletes and coaches of the team of the republic, comprising 95 athletes, participating in competitions in 15 kinds of sports, and 18 coaches.

The Games are aimed at development of inclusive society and mass involvement of people with various disabilities to regular physical and sports exercises and the athletes and coaches expressed their gratitude to the President of the republic for his support.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that the Games are a big and important event which should be held every year. “Everyone in our country must have a possibility to display his or her talents and abilities, including those in sports. I assure you that we will give more close consideration to all projects related to the Special Games and other issues. We will give the same errand to other regions and cities of the republic. I wish you success! We have a very serious team,” he said. 

“A lot of our work is connected with Tatarstan. In the premises of the Volga state university of physical culture, sports and tourism we have established a unique programme of preparing coaches and teachers working with special athletes. It is very important as more than 4 thousand professional will pass this training in the next two years”, Olga Slutsker said. 

In his turn, the Russia Minister noted the high level of preparation of the United Games in Kazan. “I would like to say special thanks to parents, coaches and teachers. You are upbringing children with intellectual peculiarities so that they feel themselves comfortable in this world. I wish you happiness and victories”, he concluded.