From 19th to 22nd December St. Petersburg will host the traditional annual International Swimming Competition "Vladimir Salnikov Cup". For the 18th time the best athletes from different parts of Russia and foreign countries will compete on the water paths of the NEVSKAYA VOLNA Aquatics Center.

The competition program includes 41 sets of medals in individual program numbers and relays.

The Russian Water Sports Federation and the organizers of the Vladimir Salnikov Cup has a tradition of inviting good friends to their sports competitions. This year will be no exception. Among the numerous fans and fans of the "Salnikov Cup" will be pupils of the Orphanage No. 5, St. Petersburg.

Vladimir Salnikov: "Three years ago, we took over the patronage of these children who were left without parents. I don't want to brag, but we are actively cooperating and there are decent results. We have invested our personal funds, agreed on a swimming pool, thank you very much to Dmitry Vasiliev, Director of the school of the State Budgetary Institution SSHOR 3 of the Kalininsky district of St. Petersburg and Elena Bogomazova, a professional coach, Honored Master of Sports of the USSR.

Now boys and girls are really getting involved in sports, discipline, and competition. The number of children who want to go swimming, among the children of the Orphanage is only growing. Recently, as guests, we invited them to the Russian Swimming Championships. Now another tournament - "Salnikov Cup" …

Here's what the kids themselves say:

Nicole (11 years old):

I really enjoyed watching the swimmers dive into the water at the start, and then do somersaults on the turns! How do they manage not to breathe underwater for so long?! I want to learn too. The coach at the pool explains all this to us… I love attending swimming classes!

Sylvester (15 years old):

The technique of athletes is cool! Every movement is beautiful. And they work like robots. Everyone wants to be at the finish line first and try to win. Now we also have the opportunity to get acquainted with swimming and try ourselves.

Kirill (17 years old):

For me, the most interesting are long distances. Physical fitness, stamina, and brains. It is very important how to properly distribute your forces. We were told that Vladimir Salnikov, just at such distances, all in the world "broke". Wow! Thank you to him and everyone who organized such a sports section for us and the opportunity to attend competitions.

Cooperation between the Russian Water Sports Federation, the organizers of the Vladimir Salnikov Cup and the Center for Promoting Family Education No. 5 will definitely continue.

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* Center for Assistance to Family Education, Orphanage No. 5. It was established in Saint Petersburg in 1982. 41 children live and are brought up in the center. Age from 3 to 18 years. These are orphaned children left without parental care.

* The Vladimir Salnikov Cup is held with the support of the Government of St. Petersburg, the Russian Water Sports Federation, and the St. Petersburg Swimming Federation.