All-Russia Ski Race “Russian Ski Track” took place in Bazarny Karabulak on Februry, 14. Saratov University was represented by 16 teachers and 60 students. The event happened in most regions of the country. Over 20000 people took part in the race in Saratov region. SSU was represented by 16 teachers and 60 students according to the Department of Sport Disciplines Chair N.V. Mishagin. Among them were Vice-rector for educational and organizational work I.G. Malinski, Head of the Office of Student Educational Work A.V. Golovchenko, representatives of Division for International Cooperation and Internationalization and Students and Graduate Students Council, team of 9 overseas students, members of SSU student groups.
Regional companies and organization presented their achievements at the Russian Ski Track camp. In the SSU tent guests could learn about cooperation between SSU and Russian Geographic Society. There were also stands about Ukek Museum Complex project with a 3D model of the ancient city, Student Tourist Club and All-Russian Forum “Student Tourism in Russia” that had taken place in the University last year. Upon seeing the exhibition, Saratov region Governor V.V. Radaev said SSU is the leading university of the region and shoud always be at the top.
Before the mass start the guests enjoyed a performance by “Rangers” and “Koliadki” folk show. V.V. Radaev opened the competition. In his speech he gave start not only to the ski trach but also to celebration of the 80th anniversary of Saratov Region: “You are not competitors but a team of our region. For Saratov people this is a joint holiday as this year we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Region. And we start this year with record setting: last week 12 thousand people took part in Saratov Ski Track, today we have over 20 thousand people here. I believe this year Saratov Region will have great achievements”.
Journalists and representatives of ministries and administration departments covered a symbolic distance of 1936 meters as the Region was founded in 12936; girls and boys ran 5 km and men and women did 10 km.
3-year Institute of Sport and Physical Culture Student Kristina Biriukova won the 6th place in 10 km race. “It was not my first run; previously I also came 6th in Bazarny Karabulak. This is my lucky number. The race was quite difficult because of the changing weather. I trained a lot, two times a day. Of course, I will compete again and represent my Institute and University”, said Kristina.
Institute of Chemistry graduate student Irina Zharkova covered a 10km distance for the first time. She participated in the ski track before. “I have been skiing since childhood. In the past I ran 5km in 40 minutes, today I have covered 10km in an hour. I think it is success!, shared Irina.
Saratov University international team covered 5km distance. According to the group coordinator, Division for International Cooperation and Internationalization employee O.A. Shamarina, it was their second time skiing. “They did really well. Mohammed Al Khafaji, student from Iraq, came first in our group”, added O.A. Shamarina.
It was not the last ski event this year. SSU staff is looking forward to University ski track “Snezhinka” on March, 6.
