Besides the gem of the Sakhalin region, Chefs de Mission visited Parkovaya Mountain, roller-ski trail, К-70 ski hill, Crystal Ice Center, Arena City Sports Center, and biathlon center.
Chefs de Mission from 20 countries representing National Olympic Committees of future participants of Winter Children of Asia Games arrived to Sakhalin to catch an insider’s glimpse. For almost everyone, it was the first visit to this island region, with the exception of Mr. Ibrahim ABAZID, representing Executive Committee of Syrian NOC – his wife is from a nearby town of Okha.
In many countries that will participate in the 1st Winter Children of Asia Games snow is something you can only see on TV, and Russia is associated mostly with Moscow.
- I want to say many thanks to the organizers of this meeting. Everything was very nice: sports facilities meet all requirements, all facilities are near the downtown, which is very convenient. We’ve seen nature, snow and it was not as cold as I had thought! - says Mr. Laurentino GUTERRES, Secretary General of the East Timor NOC.
The Head of the Staff at the Ministry for Sports of Armenia Mr. Vage ELOYAN has been skiing for many years, that’s why he was most interested in Gorny Vozdukh. Moreover, Armenia is also home to a ski resort called Tsaghkadzor.
- I immediately wanted to change clothes and go skiing! You have wonderful conditions for any winter competitions, - Mr. Eloyan shared. - We will participate in alpine skiing and cross-country skiing. These winter disciplines are especially popular in Armenia. Our athlete was number 45 at the Olympic Games in South Korea.
An opportunity to show Sakhalin to officials from Olympic Committees and sports authorities is, by and large, a presentation of the region not only from standpoint of the Games, but as part of preparation for them as well, by providing services of training venues for visitors.
- Today, sport is not limited by geographical location or nationality. Some participants might not have snow, but they are still planning to come to the Games and bring their teams. There are a lot of opportunities to train in other countries and cities. So, we are strongly recommending Sakhalin in this regard as well, - said Mr. Vladimir MAKSIMOV, Director General of the 1st Winter Children of Asia International Sports Games Administration.
Guests will continue to visit sports facilities, catering and accommodation locations. Then there will be a Seminar outlining the sports program of the Games and organizational issues. And on March 23 at 4:00 p.m. the square in front of the building of the regional Government will host the launch of countdown till the start of the 1st Winter Children of Asia International Sports Games in Sakhalin.
Recall that the 1st Winter Games in 2019 will showcase 8 sports, including figure skating, ice hockey, short track, alpine skiing, snowboard, biathlon, cross-country skiing, and ski jumping. The games will be held in the region’s capital in February 2019.
Press Center, 1st Children of Asia International Winter Games Administration
