Alexander Katushev: the program supporting the veterans will continue, we have already discussed the possibility of sending 60 people to the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.
Baku (Azerbaijan) hosted the first European games. Due to the special program “The Russian Olympians Foundation” 50 sport veterans were able to visit the competitions (in two stages) - led by nine time Olympic champion gymnast, Larisa Latynina. The importance of this program was described to OLYMPIANS.RU by the executive director, Alexander Katushev.
“The decision for the veterans to travel to the European Games was decided back in April, when a tripartite agreement was signed between the Fund, the Russian Olympics Committee and Russian Union of Athletes”, recalled Alexander Katushev. “Members of the Board of the Fund (which, after the changes in the charter, our founders are called) promptly and unanimously approved this program, through which 50 veterans went to Azerbaijan. By the way, 17 of them are grant recipients of the Fund for various veteran programs. In Baku, our most active veterans met not only with Russian athletes, but also fans and members of the public and media.”
“This is not the first time we are providing trips to veterans for major competitions” continued Alexander Katushev. “Our groups visited the Olympic Games in 2008, 2012 and 2014. The veterans work hard to create a positive image of Russian Federation abroad. This is an important “soft” power, which everyone is talking about. Veterans, open minded, who experienced a lot and are survivors, find words that touch the souls of everyone, even those that discriminate against Russian. The sincerity touched many hearts. In this respect, the presence of veterans at the Olympics is necessary, it is always - a beneficial protocol trip. Therefore, the Fund has always supported such initiatives.”
“The Fund program to support veterans will continue,” assured Alexander Katushev. “We have already discussed the possibility of sending 60 people to the summer Olympic games in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.”
