XXII Summer Diplomatic Games were held on August 21 in Zavidovo Recreation Complex (a branch of GlavUpDK). The traditional sporting event was timed to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Main Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps.
Heads and members of diplomatic missions, Russian Foreign Ministry and GlavUpDK, representatives of federal and regional authorities, renowned Russian athletes took part in the event.
Vyacheslav Fatin, Acting Head of GlavUpDK, opened the Diplomatic Games. "It is very pleasant that this sports festival takes place on the eve of our organization's anniversary. The games are extremely popular among the diplomatic corps, and I would like to welcome the teams that will compete under their national flags," he told the audience.
Vyacheslav Fatin read out a greeting from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, to the participants of the event. "Holding the Games has become a good tradition. It is difficult to overestimate their contribution to the promotion of a healthy, active lifestyle, strengthening the professional solidarity of diplomats from different parts of the world," the message of the Minister says. Sergey Lavrov also congratulated the GlavUpDK team: "I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the team of the Administration on the centennial anniversary and wish them new successes in their demanded activities to ensure comfortable conditions for their foreign colleagues in Russia.”
Svetlana Zhurova, Olympic champion and First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, greeted the participants of the Diplomatic Games on behalf of the State Duma of the Russian Federation. "All diplomatic missions have received a warm and comfortable welcome in our country during the century-long history of the GlavUpDK. The Diplomatic Games, where friendship, sport, and excellent mood prevail, which fully complies with the Olympic motto ‘Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together,’ serve as a confirmation of that," Svetlana Zhurova said, thanking the organizers and participants of the event and wishing the athletes good results.
Alexander Demin, Chairman of the Physical Culture and Sports Committee, greeted the participants and guests on behalf of the Government of the Tver Region. He read out an appeal from Igor Rudeni, Governor of the Tver Region: "On the eve of the centennial since the foundation of GlavUpDK under the MFA of Russia, Zavidovo again brought together representatives of the diplomatic community to support the authority of their states in sports competitions and to remind the importance of mutual understanding.”
Galina Gorokhova, the chief referee of the competition, three-time Olympic champion, and president of the Russian Union of Athletes, read out a greeting to the participants of the Games on behalf of Stanislav Pozdnyakov, the President of the Russian Olympic Committee. Stanislav Pozdnyakov congratulated the management and employees of GlavUpDK with the 100th anniversary of the Company: "It is pleasant to realize that teams from different countries and continents, regardless of their age and sports background, take part in sports competitions. It proves that a healthy lifestyle around the world is gaining popularity and is becoming not just a hobby – but an urgent need.” He also highlighted the importance of the Summer Diplomatic Games in the development of Russian sport, sporting cultural and humanitarian ties.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Olympic Movement was made by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Zimbabwe Mike Nicholas Sango and representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Colombia Fernando Rodriguez, and the Olympic speed skating champion Ludmila Titova, USSR Merited Master of Sports, on behalf of the judges.
Special Exemplary Military Band of the Guard of Honor Battalion of Russia also performed at the opening ceremony, an exciting acrobatic show was presented by multiple record breakers of the Guinness Book of Records, winners of the international show Minute of Fame, the Kalutsky brothers.
Representatives from 30 countries (Armenia, Belarus, Burundi, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, India, Yemen, Canada, Lithuania, Kenya, Kirghizia, Colombia, Malaysia, Madagascar, Mongolia, Nigeria, Nicaragua, Panama, Philippines,Syria, Sierra Leone, Thailand, Croatia, Central African Republic, Montenegro, Switzerland, Sri Lanka, Equatorial Guinea, South Ossetia) participated in eight sports competitions (football, volleyball, basketball, billiards, tennis, shooting, fishing and cross country running) and in the sports and entertainment relay race for the anniversary GlavUpDK Cup Win Together. GlavUpDK also presented its teams in a number of sports.
In addition to sporting events, there were numerous entertainment opportunities for children and adults, including rides and contests. Guests of Zavidovo were able to fully experience the comfort and hospitality of the complex, and the beautiful weather contributed to a pleasant holiday on the banks of the Volga.
The gastronomic festival With the Taste of Hospitality enhanced the festive atmosphere. Participants in the Gastronomic Map of Russia Federal Project presented unique products and dishes from 25 regions of Russia: from the Far East to the Arctic and Kaliningrad!
The day ended with a celebratory event marking the 100th anniversary of the founding of the GlavUpDK under the MFA of Russia.
List of winners and runners-up of the XXII Summer Diplomatic Games
