The Russian Swimming Federation held its annual conference, and among the major announcements was the recognition of 6 new regional organization, bringing the federation’s total recognized number to 76.
The 6 new federations:
- Sevastopol Swimming Federation
- Swimming Federation Magadan Region
- Swimming Federation of the Republic of Buryatia
- The Federation of Swimming and Water Polo of the Altai Republic
- Yamalo-Nenets District Swimming Federation
- Federation of Swimming in the Republic of Ingushetia
Under normal circumstances, this would not be a move of international interest, however, were it not for the broader political significance of the first name on the above list. While the latter 5 are primarily outlying, eastern regions, showing geographical growth of the sport in Russia, Sevastopol was ground-zero for the 2014 Crimean Revolution that saw Russia and Ukraine battle for the Black Sea territory.
On March 18th, 2014, the Treaty on the Adoption of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol to Russia was signed between Russia and Crimea, which incorporated Sevastopol as a Federal City of Russia.
Despite the terms of the agreement, the European Union and the United Nations, along with most of the world’s nations, still recognize Crimea and Sevastopol as part of the Ukraine.
The city has a population of 342,451, making it the largest city in Crimea. Its population is made up of approximately 71% Russians ethnically.
Sevastopol is the home city of Galina Prozumenshchikova, who in the 1960’s and 1970’s won 5 Olympic medals and set 5 World Records for the Soviet Union.
The moves was announced by the Russian Swimming Federation with little fanfare among a broader press release discussing the decisions made at the meetings.
I think they should be barred from hosting because of their numerous doping offenses. I’m not keen on mixing politics with sporting events.
Gina, honey, the reason Tatars (I prefer Tatar to Tartar (sauce)) do not swim is most of them spot large mustache and would not shave for the meat under any circumstances. Can you imagine 8 swimmers spotting 20 inch handlebar mustaches and diving to sprint 50 free. I would love to see that.
ps. Gina, Aswimfan says you are not a woman, but I would like to assume you are, if that is okay with you.
i would say ,take off that moustache real slow but …
Honey you can leave your hat on . You can leave your hat on .
Ingushetia is the standout on that list . Ingushetia borders Chechnya & had no public swimming pools in 2011 at all .Now they a have a fed & several altitude facilities to which foreign teams are welcome . Now that is He Who Dares Wins .
Dan – World University Games was held successfully in Kazan in 2013 . Have you got something against the Tartars ? If you knew their history you might say nicer things . They be fierce puppies.
You should be tolerant like me . This week I don’t like Canada but I have to admit they have good songwriters.
Gina, I actually know quite a bit about the history of Kazan, which has some beautiful architectural landmarks and a rich history! It just seems strange to allow a country involved in an international political dispute (over the Crimean, which includes Sevastapol) to host a major international sporting event.
For those of you who don’t know, the Crimean Peninsula on the Black Sea in not even connected to Russia; although it is only separated from it by about 2 miles of water, which may be why they need a swimming federation! I can understand why Russia wants the region though, since the southern part has a humid, tropical climate perfect for sunbathing.
Interesting indeed. The rest of the world agrees the region belongs to Ukraine, but Russia says it belongs to them, so… I doubt there are any/many world-class swimmers swimmers from there, so it’s not a big deal when you’re talking about swimming; but, whose idea was it to hold this meet in Kazan?
Actually the region belongs to its inhabitants. For the rest of the world it’s just a matter of strategy.