Russian ‘Para-fest’ attracts 200 participants

“I am very pleased that each year the number of Para-fest participants increases noticeably.”

Over 200 participants from the 17 regions of the Russian Federation gathered in Moscow for the 2015 Para-fest from 15-17 May, an annual celebration of para-sport in Russia.

The festival is a result of a partnership between the Russian Paralympic Committee, the Russian Sports Federation of People with Physical Impairments and the Ministry of Sports of the Russian Federation.

Vladimir Lukin, President of the Russian Paralympic Committee spoke at the Opening Ceremony.

“I am very pleased that each year the number of Para-fest participants increases noticeably,” he said. “Of course this is a clear indication that sport among people with disabilities is becoming increasing popular.

“I am sure that participation in Para-fest will give all involved a lot of new emotions and unforgettable impressions, and it will be held in an atmosphere of friendly communication and fair play.”

The festival was then officially opened by Pavel Rozhkov, Chef de Mission for Russia at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, team coach and Vice President of the Russian Paralympic Committee.

Those who attended the event at the recently opened Paralympic House had the chance to compete in powerlifting, boccia, arm wrestling and checkers.

The venue was unveiled in December as the new fully accessible home of the Russian Paralympic Committee, the first dedicated headquarters in its history, to round-off a great year for para-sport in Russia after it staged the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.