The visual identity of Special Olympics World Winter Games was presented in Kazan

Today, the visual identity of Special Olympics World Winter Games was presented in Kazan, which will be held in the capital of Tatarstan in 2022. The citizens saw an amazing light and music performance, as well as the main symbol of the upcoming World Games- Zilant (a dragon) on the walls of the Spasskaya Tower of the Kazan Kremlin,

Timothy Shriver, Chair of Special Olympics, opened the official part of the celebration. He addressed to the spectators with a video message. “I am so thrilled, so excited to be celebrating the one-year out moment, a moment of intense anticipation where we all look forward to the games in Kazan next year. The World Winter Games are first Special Olympics coming together from around the world after this pandemic is over. It’s our chance to celebrate the spirit that unites us as a planet, as a movement, it’s a chance to celebrate the greatness of each and every athlete”, - Timothy Shriver addressed the participants of the event.

Igor Levitin, Aide to the President of the Russian Federation, Deputy Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Special Olympics World Games in Kazan, noted great experience of the city in holding premiere sports events. “Thank you for taking on the high mission of hosting these competitions, - he said to the residents of Kazan. – We hosted a lot of sporting events here on the top level”.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov noted that Special Olympics will be one of the most important events in the history of the country: “Sports have no borders, and the holding of Special Olympics Winter Games manifests it. The mission of Special Olympics reveals the main principles of our country – equal access for every person. We have experience in hosting international events. Our task is to hold the games at the highest level."

“We look forward to welcoming our guests, athletes, and friends to Special Olympics, - Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, said. – Over the years, we have gained a huge experience in holding various events and sports competitions, and the most important thing that remains after such events is new friends around the world. We will try very hard to meet our new friends from all over the world”.

The colorful presentation of the logo was accompanied by a performance by composer Igor Krutoy, opera singer Elizaveta Novikova and the orchestra of the Center for Contemporary Music of Sofia Gubaidulina.

For information, Special Olympics World Winter Games in Kazan will be held from January 22 to 28, 2022, they will be attended by 2 thousand athletes with intellectual disabilities and unified partners (athletes without intellectual disabilities) from 108 countries. The program of Special Olympics includes competitions in 7 sports: alpine skiing, snowboarding, floorball, cross-country skiing, figure skating, short track speed skating and snowshoeing.