A press conference dedicated to the 8th Children of Asia Games was held today at the International Multimedia Press Center "Russia Today" in Moscow.
The speakers answered the question about the preparatory processes and hosting of the 8th Children of Asia Games, which will be held in Yakutsk from June 25 to July 7. Promotion of children’s sports in Asia, Olympic values education among young athletes, international cooperation in the field of children’s sports and sports and humanitarian relations were also discussed.
Vladimir Maksimov, President of the Children of Asia International Committee:
- For 28 years the Children of Asia Games have been the only multi-sport event in Asia in the teen age category. The Children of Asia Games originated in 1996 in Sakha Republic on the initiative of the First President of the Republic Mikhail Nikolaev. Over the years, the dynamics of participation in the Games grew, we had never veered off course. So far, we expect the arrival of athletes from 26 countries to Yakutsk, so the competition will be high. One of the main goals and objectives of the Games is, of course, to unite children around one idea. The concept of competition is primarily aimed at making children friends with each other and to acquaint them with the culture of other countries. In addition, the Committee implements educational projects that are very important in the training of young athletes. Olympic values, anti-doping and psychology - all these things must be put into the education of children from childhood.
Rodion Plitukhin, General Secretary of the Russian Olympic Committee, Vice-President of the Children of Asia International Committee:
- For many years we have been connected by amicable relations and partnership, and now with the growth of proficiency of the team of the Children of Asia International Committee, there are already professional ties. We share the true Olympic values of friendship, respect and perfection. These three things stay the same, whatever happens in the world. For the Russian Olympic Committee at the present historical stage, the Games are an important element of the work on the Olympic Reserve development. The Olympic Reserve, as defined by the Russian Olympic Committee, is the age category of young athletes in the range of 14 to 18 years, who in the foreseeable future have a horizon of 4-5 years of planning, can come out with our active assistance in cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and with such organizations as the Children of Asia International Committee, at the peak level of sports skills. In this regard, the importance of such launches as the Children of Asia Games in giving children their first great international experience cannot be overemphasized. I also note the educational part, which colleagues from the Committee began to actively implement, starting with the Winter Games in Kuzbass. This year we will be complemented by the 6th Young Olympians International Forum.
Leonid Spiridonov, Minister of Physical Culture and Sports of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia):
- Children of Asia Games have left in Yakutia a huge heritage in the form of new sports facilities. For the upcoming 8th Games in Yakutsk two new multifunctional sports complexes were built, as well as a climbing wall that meets all international standards. The construction of the climbing wall was carried out within the program of the Russian Olympians Foundation. Yakutsk has been actively preparing for the upcoming competitions since last year. Renovation works at sports facilities and major repairs of facades of apartment buildings and social facilities are being completed. An organizational committee has been established, which is led by the Head of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) Aisen Nikolaev. We have all been involved in the preparation: the government of the Republic, the ministries, every resident of Yakutia. We are waiting for everyone at the Games!
Mikhail Sivtsev, Director General of the 8th Children of Asia International Sports Games Directorate:
- In addition to the competitive part, an integral part of the Games is the cultural program. Extensive cultural and educational programs have been prepared for participants this year. The participants of the Games will be accommodated in the Athletes’ Village, where training and recreation, cultural events, master classes, excursion programs and much more will be organized. It is also worth noting that Children of Asia is already a large family. It’s not just young kids, high school students. Today, among those wishing to become volunteers there are already experts of quite considerable age, who have previously participated as volunteers in competitions. 1,900 volunteers will be involved in 19 functional areas. We have received more than 5,000 applications from those wishing to volunteer for the Games. Applications came not only from Yakutia, but also from more than 60 regions of Russia and from foreign countries. To date, all candidates have been selected and training has begun. Each volunteer will be provided with full equipment, food and souvenirs.
Anton Chupkov, Children of Asia alumnus, bronze medalist of the 2016 Olympic Games:
The Children of Asia Games will always remain in my memory, because it was this start that became my springboard to the world of big sport. With great pleasure I often recall my first trip to Yakutsk in 2012. This was the atmosphere of a large, cohesive, friendly family and a large huge holiday, which then gave us the organizers. I have no doubt that many children after the Games will be able to become world champions and champions of the Olympic Games in the future.
During the press conference Vladimir Maksimov handed the champion’s badge to Anton Chupkov. This token is awarded to the winners of the gold medals of the Children of Asia Games. The commemorative token is made in the form of the logo of the Children of Asia International Committee framed by an olive branch as a symbol of peace and victory.
Link to press conference record https://pressria.ru/20240524/956595195.html#live
