MOSCOW, February 12 (Itar-Tass) —— The 30th national open mass cross-country ski race Piste of Russia-2012 will be held on Sunday in 68 Russian regions, Russian Minister of Sport, Tourism and Youth Policy Vitaly Mutko said.
The race is expected to draw some 1.5 million participants across the country.
“It is important that among participants in the ski race are people of various ages and professions, from children to the elderly, from school pupils and amateur skiers to governors, mayors and professional athletes,” he said. “Along with the race, each region will offer a wide cultural program to turn the sports event into a family holiday.”
Weather on February 12 will be frosty in many regions, he noted, “so, it is necessary to see to it that hot meals and drinks are served to the participants and shelters are offered for them to warm up.”
The rally will be officially kicked off at the Volen sports complex in the towm of Yakhroma outside Moscow. “It is expected that some 25,000 people will take part in the race,” deputy head of Moscow region’s Dmitrov district administration Elena Vinogradov told Itar-Tass. “A total of 1,300 volunteers, policemen, rescuers and medics will serve the competition.”
The winners will be granted medals, diplomas, and presented with skis and skiwear.
“Such sports events are very popular in Russian regions,” Mutko said. “I wish this sports festival to give a serious impetus to the development of skiing in the country.”