Rustam Minnikhanov and Mikhail Babich attend the second Open Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament "On Top of Success"

On November 24, at the Gymnastics Centre in Kazan, Presidential Plenipotentiary Envoy to Volga Federal District Mikhail Babich, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and other honoured guests took part in an opening ceremony of the second Open Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament for prizes of Olympic Champion Darya Shkurikhina "On Top of Success".

Gymnasts from Specialized Children and Youth Sports Schools of the Olympic Reserve, Youth Sports Schools, sports clubs, Russian Orienting Federation from all Russian regions are taking part in the competition that is held in accordance with FIG 2017-2020 international rules on November 23-25, 2017.

Babich congratulated the young athletes, with their whole lives and numerous victories ahead of them. "People will admire you, but it all starts with such small victories, when at the youngest age you begin to demonstrate your sports skills," he said and wished the gymnasts victories and good luck.

In his turn, Minnikhanov reminded that thanks to such initiative people as Darya Shkurikhina, the Open Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament "On Top of Success" is held for the second time in Kazan. He thanked the organizers for this holiday. "I am very glad that we give an opportunity to our young generation, young athletes to move forward.  Excellent conditions have been created for the youth and sports both in the country as a whole and in our republic. Rhythmic gymnastics is the most beautiful kind of sport, and I congratulate you on choosing this sport, and I wish you success and good luck," Minnikhanov said, addressing the participants of the competition.

In her turn, Shkurikhina noted that she is very glad that young athletes have an opportunity to perform in such a modern sports hall. She also reminded that she was born in Kazan and made her first steps in sports there.