Opening of children’s sailing regatta “Optimists of the Northern Capital. Gazprom Cup”

Saint Petersburg hosted the opening of the children’s sailing regatta “Optimists of the Northern Capital. Gazprom Cup”.

More than 70 young sailors from 7 to 16 years of age were at the starting line ready to go through the four event series. Between May 26 and May 27 the first event took place in the Neva River’s estuary, near the Lakhta settlement. The second event will begin on June 3, together with Sails of White Nights – The National Congress Palace Cup 2012 regatta, and will take place in the waters of the Neva River, starting from just opposite the Peter and Paul Fortress. The third event will be held between July 27 and August 2, and the fourth final event is scheduled for September 2.

Taking part in the opening ceremony were Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee, Georgy Fokin, Director General of Gazprom Transgaz Saint Petersburg, Dmitry Samokhin, Chairman of the NTV Plus Board of Directors and Vladimir Lyubomirov, Commodore of Saint Petersburg Yacht Club, regional sport public organization.

Head of the gas company Alexey Miller emphasized during the opening ceremony that “Gazprom is not only the company number one in Russia and is not only one of the leaders in the power industry. This is the Company which is aware of its social responsibility. That is why we are doing our best to encourage young generation to become strong, healthy and well-balanced adults. To achieve this goal we are implementing the Gazprom for Children program. As part of the project, Gazprom has started supporting children’s and youth sailing.”