The 7th Children of Asia International Sports Games torch relay have visited Slavyanka town – the southernmost point on the map of the route.
The cortege of fire keepers arrived in the Khasan district on Friday, July 22. The event, which brought together several hundred spectators, became a bright event in the sports and social life of the territory.
This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class event and enter into its history. For the first time, the Primorsky krai will host an international youth sports forum, and the torch that the Khasans will carry today will remind all future generations of this grandiose event, said Mr. Alexander Shcherbakov – torchbearer, deputy of the State Duma of the Russian Federation.
The start of the torch relay was given on the shore of the lotus lake, a natural attraction of the village, then the symbolic fire of the Children of Asia Games went along the central streets of Slavyanka town. The route of the relay race was made so that the maximum number of residents and guests could join the event. One of the sections of the route ran past the main sports facility of the Khasan district - the sports and cultural center "Olimp", opened in June 2022, and located on a hill. From this highest point of Slavyanka town, the participants of the relay had a magnificent view of the entire village - residential neighborhoods surrounded by green hills against the backdrop of the blue expanse of Slavyanskaya Bay.
The honor to carry the fire of international sports games across Khasan land fell to well-known people of the district - public figures, athletes and cultural workers: Mr. Valentin Trishin, Mr. Yuri Mukhin, Mr. Ivan Stepanov, Mr. Alexander Shcherbakov, Mr. Maxim Grishchenko, Mrs. Anna Kuzmenko, Mrs. Polina Kapitsyna, Mr. Bogdaun Okishov, Mr. Anatoly Shtanko and Mr. Viktor Kopeikin.
The final segment of the relay race on the central square of Slavyanka town was done by the head of the Khasan district Mr. Ivan Stepanov. Together with the guardians, he lit the bowl of fire of the Children of Asia games.
As Mr. Stepanov noticed, we have become participants in an important and bright event! I am glad and proud that I had the opportunity to carry a particle of fire, which is designed to bring together and unite the peoples of different countries. I am sure that these large-scale sports competitions will give a powerful impetus to the development of children's and youth sports throughout the region, including our district. Among the young Khasan athletes, future stars of big sports are growing up, and we hope that someday they will become participants of Children of Asia International sports games.
Young sambo athletes of Armata sport club’ head Mr. Yuri Mukhin will represent the Khasan district at the upcoming Games.
Children of Asia Games are actually a small Olympic Games taking place in Primorsky krai so I really admire the Games. Athletes from our club will take part in the Games. I would like to advise novice athletes to go towards their goal, never stop at the achieved result, and of course, do not miss training” the mentor concluded.
The torch relay turned the sports festival into a major event in the cultural life of the Khasan district. Creative teams of the local house of culture and the center of children's creativity "Inspiration" performed a cheerful concert was presented to the audience.
Demonstration performances were also prepared by young Khasan athletes. Everyone was able to join the dance, sports and song performances of the artists.
The main symbol of the upcoming Games has only four settlements left to visit, where the torchbearers are just getting ready to carry the ever-extinguishing flame. Next week, on July 28th, the relay will connect its entire route into a ring with a length of almost 3,5 thousand km. The large-scale project will finish after a many-day trip around Primorski krai at the solemn opening ceremony of the 7th Children of Asia International Sports Games in the concert and sports complex "Fetisov Arena" in Vladivostok.
Recall that the 7th Children of Asia International Sports Games will be held in Vladivostok from July 27th to August 8th. Athletes aged 13-16 will participate in the competition.
