Mikhail Babich and Rustam Minnikhanov open new ice palace in Tyulyachi region of the republic

On November 24, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich and Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov paid a visit to Tyulyachi region of the republic to take part in the opening of a new ice palace.

The Tyulyachi - Arena Sport and Health Centre features synthetic ice and is designed for hockey, short track and figure skating training activities. It is expected that 360 children and teenagers, including pupils from nearby schools, will play sports there. The Centre employs 20 people, including seven coaches.

In his welcoming speech, Babich noted that on the instructions of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a large-scale state programme is being implemented in the country to build ice palaces, sports palaces, swimming pools and other sports facilities that are necessary both to develop mass sports and sports of the highest achievements.

He noted that the Tyulyachi-Arena is the 41st ice palace opened in Tatarstan. Moreover, there are hundreds of other sports facilities in the republic.

Babich thanked Minnikhanov for his special attention to the development and popularization of sports. "A large-scale programme is being implemented in Tatarstan to build very important sports palaces that will serve people for decades. This is an example to follow for many regions of Russia," he stressed.

Minnikhanov stressed that Tyulyachi region is one of the leaders in the development of sports infrastructure. A universal sports hall and equestrian sports complex have been functioning there for several years. Regional dwellers win various all-Russian competitions. "We continue work in this area. It is planned to build a football arena and a swimming pool in the near future,” Tatarstan President said.

Minnikhanov added that Tatarstan participates in all federal programmees, including those aimed at the development of sport. He also expressed his gratitude to Babich for supporting the republic.