#ARCTIC. #SIBERIA. THIS IS TAIMYR. The Norilsk open volleyball cup took place in the Aika sports hall. Competitions among men’s and women’s teams from Norilsk and Dudinka coincided with the 100th anniversary of Russian volleyball.
The solemn event was opened by the guest of honor, bronze medalist of the XXVIII Olympic Games in Athens, silver medalist of the World and European championships, two-time winner of the World League, winner of the Euroleague, winner of the World Cup, champion of the XXX Olympic Games in London, honored master of sports of Russia Taras Htey:
“It’s very pleasant to be in the Aika sports hall. For me, a visit to Norilsk is a historical event, and I am impressed by the city and the Nornickel company. I would like to convey to all Norilsk residents greetings from the Russian Volleyball Federation chairman Stanislav Shevchenko in the year of the Russian volleyball centenary. There is a wonderful hall here, all the conditions for training and wonderful fans. I wish that a real volleyball team could play professionally in Norilsk in such favorable conditions for sports”.
The guest of honor wished the Norilsk residents to play more, come to Aika more often and win, cheer for their idols, creating an unforgettable sports atmosphere in the stands. He gladly accepted the offer to inspect the sports and recreation complex, asking many specific questions, identifying him as a competent specialist not only in volleyball, but also in the sports field infrastructure.
With curiosity, Taras Htey listened to the history of the sports hall name and the story about the real-life bear Aika, who walked along the Norilsk streets with her owner, documentary filmmaker Yury Ledin.
“For the development of sports in the territory, it is very important to have such a serious partner as Nornickel. With such opportunities, sport here acquires truly great prospects, the opportunity to attract the broadest masses to the activities”, noted Taras Htey.
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Text: Denis Kozhevnikov, Photo: Nikolay Shchipko