Solemn ceremony took place today at Theatre Square where Paralympic Torch Relay finished. Kuban capital Head Vladimir Evlanov greeted all people who came to the square.
— This day will certainly go down in history. For the first time ever Paralympic Torch has paraded at streets of our city. A torch was carried by 100 torchbearers and here on the main square of Krasnodar we inflame Paralympic cauldron as a symbol of peace, the greatest overcoming strength and equal opportunities of all people!
I’m sure that Olympic and Paralympic Games will make a new impact to the development of sport within Kuban and country in the whole as well as induce appearance of new champions. We have rich traditions in sports, including Paralympic movement. Hail to Sochi, Russia, Krasnodar Region and Krasnodar! Hail to sport! — Vladimir Evlanov said.
About 14 thousand citizens and guests of regional center came to the main city’s square to meet Paralympic Torch and become viewers of cauldron lighting. Sport festival with participation of city’s creative collectives and trainees of physical culture schools took place at the square.
Carried by final stage torchbearer, Merited Master of Sports of Russia, athlete Larisa Volik Paralympic Torch came to the square in culmination point. She has achieved outstanding success in sports of people with spinal cord injury. Sportswoman is a javelin throwing bronze medalist of Summer Paralympic Games 2012 in London and current Russian and European record-holder in javelin throwing and shot-put, multiple champion of Russia, silver medalist of European championship 2012.
Larisa Volik ran from Krasnaya Street with lighting torch in a hand, crossed the square and receiving a standing ovation went up to the stage where together with Vladimir Evlanov lighted the symbolic cauldron.
— Dear friends! I congratulate you on this bright sports festival which happens in Krasnodar the first time ever. I heartily wish that strength of will and victories that will be demonstrated by Paralympian sportsmen during Games in Sochi will make you stronger and more confident! — Larisa Volik said.
Today’s sports festival was crowned with exuberant fireworks.
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