South Ossetia Grooms a New Generation of Sports Champions

A Model of the new Sports Complex in Tskhinval. Picture by Alina Kabaeva Charity Foundation.

One of Russia's Olympic gymnasts is building an international-standard Sports Complex in the city of Tskhinval with the hope of encouraging a new generation of sports champions. The facility is being built by a charitable organization headed by Alina Kabaeva, the Russian rhythmic gymnast, Olympic Champion and Deputy Chairman of the Youth Committee of the State Duma.

During her first visit to Tskhinval in August 2008, Kabaeva, a long-time promoter and supporter of sports, brought some gymnastic carpets and other sports equipment. It was during that visit that she was inspired to do more. With the help of the Republic's leadership she was able to get a substantial piece of land next to the city park to build a sports facility.

View of the construction place in January 2010. Photo by Alina Kabaeva Charity Foundation.

After the 2008 Georgia War, many schools, kindergartens, and sports facilities in South Ossetia were badly damaged and became dangerous places for children. Many young athletes have been forced to exercise in a tiny, old gym with a damaged roof. In late autumn and winter, when it becomes cold and rainy, children have to stop their exercises and wait till spring. But very soon they will be able to practice all year round in a new sports complex.

The new gymnasium will be equipped with modern sports facilities for rhythmic gymnastics and wrestling, as well as two swimming pools. Also, there will be a medical center, exhibition space and a hotel for the athletes. Next to the building will be a park with fountains.

Tskhinval children at their present training facility, in one of the schools in Tskhinval. Photo by Alina Kabaeva Charity Foundation.

In April, 2009, Kabaeva visited Tskhinval to attend a ground-breaking ceremony and to put a capsule in the base of the sports complex, the construction of which is expected to last for two years. Everyone in the city gathered at the central square for the ceremony. A year later, all the load-bearing structures are in place, and the layout of the rooms is taking shape. The work is being done by South Ossetian construction workers.

Alina Kabaeva promised the people of Tskhinval that she would return when the sports complex is complete to conduct master-classes together with other famous athletes.

Alina Kabaeva with the future champions. Photo by Alina Kabaeva Charity Foundation.

"I would really like it if some champions of Europe, champions of the world, and Olympic champions come out of this gym. I want the whole world to know them, and I want them to see the world," Kabaeva said at the ground-breaking ceremony.

According to the plan, the first Olympic champion that graduates from this sports complex will open the capsule that has been buried in the building's foundation. Soon, South Ossetia will have its Olympic champions.

Sources:

http://www.kabaeva-alina.com/charity/tshinval/2801/
http://osinform.ru/12707-v-juzhnojj-osetii-budut-vospityvat-chempionov.html
http://www.rian.ru/video/20090406/167233606.html