Rustam Minnikhanov opens swimming pool in Tetyushi

A swimming pool was earlier in the day officially opened at Bars sports centre in Tatarstan’s Tetyushi. Acting President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, FINA President Julio Maglione, Tatarstan Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Vladimir Leonov and others were present.

“The sports complex has been built and, I am sure, will give joy to all residents in Tetyushi. But we expect high sporting results from you, as the 2015 world aquatics championship is coming soon,” acting governor said in welcoming remarks. “It is an important sports facility for our republic. I am sure such facilities here will be many more."

The swimming pool was symbolically unveiled by hoisting the Bars sports centre’s flag, which honour was given to USSR Master of Sports Zoya Bazhenova and young local athlete Viktor Mamkin.

The Bars complex consists of two units. Construction’s phase one included a multipurpose gym with a telescopic stand seating 174, a fitness gym, a chess and checkers room, a table tennis room, a conference room, coaches’ offices, shower rooms, a cafe and a cloak room. Phase two included a swimming pool, a preparatory training room, and other auxiliary rooms.

The building’s total space is 6,119 square metres.

Phase-one construction began in April 2005, with 126,149,000 roubles allocated from the region’s budget.

Bars complex director Ilnur Rakhimov said the pool had been built in one year and admitted 35 people.

“Swimming is a new sport for us, we plan to promote it,” he added.

The Tetyushi region of Tatarstan is home to 23,438 people, with 8,570, or 36.5 percent, doing physical training and sports.