The famous gymnast of the early 2000s Alina Kabaeva became the winner of the Sport Movies & TV-2021 prize of the International Federation of Sports Film and Television.
At the ceremony in Milan, the Olympic champion received the votes of judges from 123 countries and was awarded the "Wreath of Honor" (Guirlande d'Honneur) for her contribution to the popularization of sports and the promotion of cultural and ethical values.
The current ceremony was the 39th in history.
The competition honors the best films, blogs, programs and media projects aimed at promoting sports, and the FICTS regularly awards the world's most outstanding athletes.
The award is often referred to as a sports Oscar.
Guirlande d'Honneur is considered a special prize at the event and is awarded to people who have dedicated their lives to promoting sports.
“We know very well that every athlete strives for maximum results.
Win the most prestigious competitions.
If this works out, then we have another responsibility.
Not less, and perhaps even more important than personally climbing to the highest step of the podium.
We must use our knowledge, experience, popularity, every opportunity in order to introduce as many people as possible to sports and physical education.
I see this as my task, as well as my whole team, ”Kabaeva said from the stage.
The “Wreath of Honor” was presented to her by the gymnasts of the Italian national team, who took third place at the Olympic Games 2020, and also won gold and silver at the recent World Championships in Japan.
The representative of the team Alessia Maurelli noted that the Russian woman has always been an idol and made a huge revolution in their sport.
FICTS President Franco Askani called the Russian woman the most important person at the ceremony.
According to him, Kabaeva was born a real champion, and her experience helps her in holding the Alina international children's festival, which takes place annually in Moscow.
Its organization and scale were especially noted in Milan, emphasizing that Italy needs to do something like this.
“I was shocked by what I saw.
This is unique.
Not only in terms of entertainment, but also the work carried out with young people.
Plus, I was struck by the manufacturability of the show.
How she managed to create all this is still a mystery to me.
The level is beyond! "
- quotes Askani "Sport-Express".
In Milan, they also demonstrated footage of one of the festivals "Alina", which has been taking place since 2009 in Moscow and timed to coincide with the Children's Day.
The event is sponsored by the Kabaeva charitable foundation.
“This is really a holiday for children, which they are doing. First, we have children involved. Secondly, they are present in the hall as spectators: from boarding schools, sports schools. And all tickets are distributed free of charge. Whenever girls go to the platform, I say: "Don't worry, you are making a party for the children." I myself saw how some teams took the phone and filmed from start to finish. Moreover, they passed the phone to each other so as not to pause. We are very happy. We are offered to hold the festival in other countries. But for now, we are planning to organize it only in Russia. And invite other countries to our holiday, "Izvestia quotes Kabaeva.
The head of the All-Russian Federation of Rhythmic Gymnastics Irina Viner-Usmanova did not hide her joy at the success of the former ward.
In her opinion, the champion of Athens is a real fan of rhythmic gymnastics and with all her heart worries about her sport.
“Alina at any time of the day, straightening her shoulders, is ready to go forward and fight for gymnastics.
Congratulations on this award!
She is a great fellow, I want to hug her and kiss her! "
- Viner-Usmanova responded.
Kabaeva is an Olympic champion in 2004, twice became the absolute world champion and five times - Europe.
She ended her career in 2007, after which she worked as a deputy of the State Duma.
In September 2014, the former gymnast became the chairman of the board of directors of the National Media Group holding.