Rustam Minnikhanov and Herman Gref open the 12th Summer Sberbankiada in Kazan

On July 17, at the Ak Bars Palace of Single Combats in Kazan, Tatarstan Persident Rustam Minnikhanov and President, Chairman of the Executive Board of Sberbank Herman Gref took part in a solemn opening of the 12th Summer Sberbankiada – the annual sports event for Sberbank's staff.

Welcoming the gathered, Minnikhanov noted that Sberbank is an innovative organization, a leader not only in the banking sector, but also in a number of other areas. A great deal of work is being done by the company in the field of popularization of sports in the country, he said. 

"It is a great honour for us to host these wonderful games again. Once Sberbankiada was held in the republic for the first time, we began to hold our own sports and athletics meetings,” Tatarstan President emphasized. “We are glad to welcome you in Kazan. Not only Sberbank, but the whole Tatarstan will watch your competitions. Good luck to you!" he said.

In his turn Gref expressed his gratitude to Minnikhanov. "Amazing people, who have preserved their national authentic culture, live in Tatarstan. Sports, culture, science, and enterprises are being developed here. Moreover, you always strives for improvement. I think this is what unites our and Tatarstan teams," he said.

According to Gref, Sberbankiada is a great event for Sberbank. "I wish all of you to hold the 12th Sberbank's Olympic Games at a high level. And most importantly is to go back healthy. Our principle is the victory of the Sberbank team," he said.

Sberbankiada will be held from the 17th to 23rd of July. About 2,000 athletes, representing teams of territorial banks, subsidiaries from Kazakhstan, Belarus, Turkey arrived in Kazan to participate in the competitions. Participants of the games will compete in 12 sports, including mini-football, volleyball, basketball, tennis, swimming and others. In total, 19 teams will take part in the event.