The sports delegation headed by Pavel Bure visited Smolensk
The delegation of the sports professionals, headed by the famous hockey player, winner of the most prestigious sports awards, with respect referred to as the "Russian Rocket" Pavel Bure, visited Smolensk. Together with Governor Alexey Ostrovskiy, State Duma deputy, vice-president of the Russian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation Alexander Bryksin, the legendary hockey sniper visited federal institutions – the Smolensk State Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Smolensk State College of the Olympic reserve.
Also Alexey Ostrovskiy, Pavel Bure and Alexander Bryksin together with their colleagues held a working meeting during which they discussed the development of physical culture and sports in Smolensk region.
Pavel Bure carefully examined the formidable sports facilities at the Academy of Higher and Postgraduate education. Rector of the Academy Georgiy Gretz told Pavel Bure about the significant achievements in training athletes.
The process of educating over 1,300 full-time and part-time students is carried out at 21 faculties. The academic staff counts 218 people. The Academy has a total area of 37,299 square meters where the educational process takes place.
Within the framework of the Federal target program "Development of physical culture and sports in the Russian Federation for the period 2006-2015" implemented in the region, the following modern sports facilities were built on the grounds of the Academy in 2013-2014:
- the Ice Palace with the stands for 1,100 seats, designed for the competitions of different levels in short track, figure skating, hockey and training sessions for the students of the Academy majoring in these sports; - the athletic arena for the competitions in the indoor athletic disciplines and training sessions for students, and the regional team;
- the rollerdrom for training sessions and competitions in rollerskating; - the 50-meter swimming pool with a set of towers for competitions and training sessions in swimming and water jump;
- the stadium with an artificial heated football pitch, a reserve football pitch, stands for 2,000 seats and athletic sector which includes 8 tracks and sections for technical athletic disciplines, designed for the competitions of various levels in athletics, football, beach volleyball and training sessions for students of the Academy majoring in these sports.
Currently the Smolensk State Academy of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism provides training and education opportunities to outstanding athletes and gifted young people, who can form an excellent Olympic reserve for our national teams in various sports.
At the XXII Winter Olympic Games 2014 in Sochi, a 2nd year student Ruslan Zakharov became an Olympic champion in the short-track relay team of Russia.
The objective of the Academy is not only to train highly qualified specialists, but also to create on its base a regional health center promoting healthy life style and attracting general public to systematic physical training and sports.
As for the Smolensk State College of the Olympic reserve, according to its director Anatoly Khorunzhy, the institution implements all the basic programs of vocational education and training of high-level athletes.
90 students are being trained at the college. Besides, 15 highly qualified teachers provide specialized training for athletes to improve their athletic performance.
The material and technical facilities of the college are constantly improved and updated. The buildings have undergone capital repairs, the college grounds have been landscaped. Creative approach, knowledge and enthusiasm of the teachers and coaches, selection of the most gifted athletes made the college one of the best colleges of the Olympic reserve in the country.
Talking to the journalists, Pavel Bure highly praised the development of the sports facilities of Smolensk region: "What I saw impressed me greatly. It is good to see that Alexey Vladimirivich carries out sports projects. The Governor is attracting funds, sports and fitness complexes are being built. I was impressed with the Academy – there is everything you need: a swimming pool, hockey rinks and athletics stadium here. It's ready to be used and I know how much Governor has done for it".