Solemn ceremony of opening rally-marathon "Silk Road" (Dakar series) took place in Kazan

A solemn ceremony of opening rally-marathon «Silk road» (Dakar series) took place today in capital of Republic Tatarstan - Kazan.

The event was held near hotel "Riviera" and the ice palace "Tatneft-arena".

We remind that as organizers of rally came out Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan (the initiative belongs to the president of Turkmenistan).

At opening, President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, minister of sports, tourism and youth policy of Russia Vitaly Mutko addressed with greetings to participants of race and guests. In particular, Mr. Mutko emphasized that similar actions promote association of people, erase barriers. On behalf of the Government of the Russian Federation Vitaly Mutko wished the participants of rally of good luck and a convenient line.

President of Republic Tatarstan Mintimer Shaymiev, welcoming participants of rally, has declared: «We succeeded once again to show sports power of our country, our republic and its capital - Kazan ».

The Head of Tatarstan thanked organizers that the place of start of rally «Silk Road » had been chose Kazan. «We have become sports capital, sports republic», - Mintimer Shaimiev said.

Today participants of rally will pass super special sector in the extent of 2013 meters (in honour of a forthcoming University game of 2013 in Kazan). The site is equipped near to hotel "Riviera ". Here, before arrival, parade of rarity cars will take place.

We remind that in a marathon «Silk road » will take part more than 50 crews in categories Т1 and Т2 ("cars") and about 20 crews in categories Т4 ("trucks") from 25 countries of the world.