FINA (the International Swimming Federation) has awarded Russian President Vladimir Putin with its Order, the Lausanne-headquartered organization reported on its website, TASS reports. “The FINA Order has been awarded to the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin on October 9, 2014 with the occasion of the international conference ‘Russia - A Sport Power’ in Cheboksary (RUS). The highest FINA recognition was presented by the FINA President Dr. Julio C. Maglione,” FINA said in a press release.
“The FINA Order is granted to Head of States or individuals of high dignity, who have achieved remarkable merit in the world of Aquatics,” it said. “In the case of President Vladimir Putin, FINA recognized his important support in the organization of major FINA events in Russian soil, thus bringing additional development to the FINA disciplines and providing increased value to Aquatics within the Russian society and worldwide,” the statement said.
“Russia is undoubtedly one of the most important and major powers in world sport. These achievements are only possible thanks to the active support from the Russian authorities to Aquatics,” FINA said. “The personal involvement of President Putin in this area greatly contributes to strengthening the fraternity between nations, improving the lifestyle and education of the youth in Russia and promoting a healthier society, in the spirit of peace and friendship”, the FINA president said during the ceremony.
FINA’s major event, the FINA World Championships, the organization said, in conjunction with the FINA World Masters Championships, will be staged in the Russian city of Kazan in July-August 2015.
Russkiy Mir Foundation Information Service
