Russian President endorses sport

The first Russian Sport Forum attracted a who’s who of sports organisers to the Russian city of Kazan with Russia’s president very much in attendance.

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev addressed the forum stressing the need for sport to be brought back to the masses in Russia. Medvedev noted that sport was again becoming important to the masses and new gyms, swimming pools and skating rinks had sprung up. He said that in 2009 alone over 200 new sporting facilities had been built.

Medvedev also looked wider stating that he hoped the forum would become a platform for discussing current issues in sport, not just in Russia, but internationally.

Amongst the international sporting federations in attendance was FISA, the International Rowing Federation, represented by FISA’s executive director Matt Smith, making sure FISA’s flag flew at the forum.

Also in attendance, amongst others, were representatives from Athletics – President Lamine Diack; International Tennis Federation (ITF)  – President Francesco Ricci Bitti; Canoe/Kayak – President Jose Peruana; Hockey – President Angel Negre; Boxing – President CK Wu; Rugby – Secretary General Mike Miller; International Sports Press Association, AIPS – President Gianni Merlo; International Olympic Committee (IOC) – Medical Director Patrick Schmasch; International Hockey Federation (FIH) – President Leandro Negre.

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