Foreign diplomats came to the Zavidovo Recreation Complex (GlavUpDK branch) to take part in the 23rd Summer Diplomatic Games, a traditional event held by GlavUpDK under the MFA of Russia. This year’s games coincided with the 65th anniversary of the Zavidovo Recreation Complex.

Sergey Lavrov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, sent a message of greetings to the participants and guests of the Summer Diplomatic Games, “For over 20 years, the Games have been uniting diplomats from different countries for them to participate in sports competitions, contributing to the development of a friendly diplomatic dialogue and interstate cooperation <...> I am sure that, as always, the Games will be informal, friendly, and fair, a real celebration of sports.”

Vyacheslav Fatin, Acting Head of GlavUpDK, opened the Summer Diplomatic Games. “Today, a festive and, both literally and figuratively, warm atmosphere settles in Zavidovo. And we are sincerely happy that the good tradition of Diplomatic Games has such a broad and enthusiastic support of the diplomatic corps accredited in Russia, as well as, this year, of the media representatives who came not only to write some news but also to take part in the competition,” he addressed the guests of the event.

Among the attendees of the opening ceremony were Mikhail Glazkov, Deputy Governor of the Vologda Region, Anatoly Baranov, Director of the General Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Alexander Demin, Chairman of the Physical Culture and Sports Committee of the Tver Region, Galina Gorokhova, chief referee of the competition – three-time Olympic champion. The Governor of the Tver Region Igor Rudenya and the President of the Russian Olympic Committee Stanislav Pozdnyakov both sent messages of greetings to the participants of the event.

Special Exemplary Military Band of the Guard of Honor Battalion of Russia, as well as the Football Freestyle show took part in the opening ceremony.

The diverse infrastructure of the Zavidovo Recreation Complex was able to host eight sports competitions: cross-country running, Futsal, volleyball, basketball, tennis, skeet shooting, fishing, cue sports. There was also an entertaining relay race for the Jubilee Cup.

Teams from 18 countries entered the sports grounds, including Armenia, Belarus, Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, the DPR, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kenya, North Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Panama, Senegal, Sudan, Thailand, the Philippines, Ecuador, South Ossetia. Staff of the Eurasian Economic Commission, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, also took part in the competition; teams of MIR TV channel and the TASS news agency were invited by GlavUpDK to take part in the football tournament. Teams of GlavUpDK and its branches participated as well.

The referees of the competitions included famous Russian athletes, international referees, masters of sports. A good friend of the Games – Olympic speed skating champion and world record holder Lyudmila Titova was the cross-country running referee. The diplomats showed outstanding levels of preparation, energy and a positive striving for victory. Football, as expected, was one of the most spectacular competitions, with 17 teams registered. The winner of the tournament was the South Ossetia Embassy team; silver medals went to Equatorial Guinea, and bronze ones went to the Zavidovo Recreation Complex team.

That day, not only a grand celebration of sports and healthy lifestyle took place in Zavidovo but also intense entertaining and cultural acts. The guests of the recreation complex ventured on a gastronomic journey around Russia without leaving the Tver Region, tasting dishes from the best Russian chefs at the Eating Thirst in Zavidovo festival organized by the Food Map federal project. The menu featured traditional game dishes and that is no coincidence – the history of the Zavidovo Recreation Complex began in 1957 with the Decree of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union stating the need to create a sports, fishing and hunting base for the diplomatic corps. The festive atmosphere was complemented by vivid and electrifying musical performances, attractions and entertainment program.

In addition, a Kite Festival was held; those whose strength hasn’t left them after the competition were able to dip their toes into a new exciting sport – footgolf.

Medincentre, a GlavUpDK branch, ensured the presence of medical staff.