#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. The ninth Polar Olympics was held at the Zapolyarnik stadium. 21 families from the Nornickel company and its divisions, as well as the Norilsk administration, took part in the winter family starts. For fans, the interactive platforms were set up; they were treated to pancakes with tea and pilaf from a cauldron. Even a real chum with northern treats from Dudinka arrived at the stadium.
The sporting event was opened by the all-Russian event Song of Memory at Stadiums, dedicated to the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War and the Year of Memory and Glory.
The participants showed their agility, speed and strength in four relay races. Families performed hockey dribbling and goal shooting, “hunted foxes” and competed in tubing races. The tubes rolled around happily and tried to knock over the stands, adding thrills and joyful children’s laughter. Drift spinning also became part of the exciting fun relay races.
“We really enjoy participating in such competitions. We look forward to these events every year. This year we are participating with our third child. For us, this is a fun and useful pastime. I especially like the sled relay race. Also the ‘caterpillar’ relay race, where a lot of family mutual assistance is needed: dad Ivan moves his legs and arms quickly, mom sets the direction, and the son helps the overall tact of movement – all this really unites and cheers up. Our son Savva also likes hockey. Participation in such competitions has already become a tradition for us. This is unity, relatives’ support, communication with other families and new acquaintances”, says Tatyana Alyushchenko from the Norilsknickelremont team.
Next to them, their eldest daughter Sophia was cheering for them, holding a beautiful bright banner “Alyushchenko, go ahead!” By the way, Sophia took part in the Polar Olympics with her parents in 2019.
“It’s a great family event. We really liked it, next year I think we will also take part. This is a real family holiday of winter relay races”, add Arthur, Marina and Arina Kasimov (Copper plant).
Based on the relay races’ results, the victory went to the Shvaichuk family from the Nornickel’s Polar Transport Branch. The Zaharov team from sports school No. 3 was a little short of first place; they took second place. The Alyushchenko family, Norilsknickelremont, closed the top three winners.
The cleverest dad was Vladimir Brutsky from the Nadezhdinsky metallurgical plant.
The most athletic mother was Galina Naumova – Norilsktransgaz.
The strongest child among girls was Emilia Lipatova – the Medvezhy Rouchey enterprise, and among boys – Damir Turganbekov – Taimyrsky mine.
Demyan Golyshenko from the Norilsk-Taimyr Energy Company was awarded for the will to win.
“We are very pleased, there are a lot of impressions. Our family loves sports. Friendship and unity helped us: one for all, and all for one. During the relay races, we prompted, supported and helped each other. Such events allow you to devote more time to each other. That’s why we were lucky enough to win today”, shared Alexey, Oksana and sons Makar and Miron Shvaichuk.
Family event of the Polar Olympics has been held at Nornickel since 2015. The atmosphere is always wonderful. The Norilsk residents have a rest, fun and spend an active time. There are no losers. All participants get gifts and good mood.
“These competitions have a truly Olympic spirit. Seemingly simple relay races are actually not very easy to complete. And only coordinated, athletic, loving families win these competitions”, noted Konstantin Shilko, head of the Nornickel’s corporate projects department’ organizational office.
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Text: Angelika Stepanova, Photo: Nornickel’s press service
