Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, together with Rustam Minnikhanov, Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan, took part in the Closing Ceremony of the international multisport tournament Games of the Future. It took place in Kazan in a unique format of a phygital concert that brought together artists and digital performers. Movable programmable screens and projection surfaces made it possible to blur the line between the real and virtual worlds.
The first international multisport tournament Games of the Future was held in Kazan from February 21 to March 3. The program of the competition included 21 innovative disciplines in phygital concept, combining classical and digital sports. More than 2000 participants came to Kazan, and 294 teams were formed. Age of the players was from 12 to 62.
The start of Games of the Future was marked by a spectacular and high-tech Opening Ceremony. It was attended by more than 3.5 thousand players, guests and official delegations, including heads of foreign states. Russian President Vladimir Putin noted the importance of this innovative international tournament.
“We have always welcomed the promotion of sports and its noble humanitarian values. Games of the Future are our gift to the entire world sports family,” the President said in his speech at the Opening Ceremony.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, noted that the competition was a great success.
“Dear friends! We did it! The first ever Games of the Future has happened! Russia has created and hosted a tournament in a new sports format called phygital. Technological, inspiring, dynamic and captivating. Spectators from over 100 countries followed the competitions that blend traditional and esports. We have gifted the whole world an unforgettable celebration of sports. The Games of the Future has already become a recognized brand. This is a monumental success! Russia has once again claimed its leading role in the global sports community,” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
He also thanked the players for their open and fair play, the audience for their support and the warm atmosphere at the stands.
” Thanks to the hospitable Tatarstan and Kazan . I thank all those who ensured the smooth operation of all services, took care of the safety and comfort of participants and spectators. Once again, you have proved how efficient your work is. Together we managed to organize the Games to the highest standards. Special words of gratitude to our President Vladimir Putin – his enthusiasm, leadership and ability to look beyond the horizon, to see what the whole progressive world is impassioned by, allowed us to hold such a grand event.”
Rustam Minnikhanov noted that Kazan has once again demonstrated to the world the highest level of organization of competitions.
“Games of the Future is a unique contest. First of all, I would like to emphasize that holding such a large-scale tournament would be impossible without the support of our country’s leader – the President of the Russian Federation – Vladimir Putin. Personal participation and support of the heads of friendly countries gave special significance to the Games of the Future. Thanks to our residents of Tatarstan for welcoming the participants of the Games so warmly and hospitably,” said the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan.
The games were held at 11 competition venues in Kazan, Innopolis and “Sirius” Federal Territory. Kazan Expo was the main venue for the tournament, where the opening and closing ceremonies were held, as well as many competitions. The total number of spectators at the tournament venues exceeded 300 thousand people.
The winners and prize-winners of first Games of the Future were 236 players from Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Spain, South Korea, the Philippines, Uruguay, Ecuador, Argentina and Colombia.
The interest in Games of the Future turned out to be comparable to the main sports events. The content distribution system includes more than 280 broadcast channels, including major international and national media holdings. More than 800 hours of live streams have been organized during the competition.
Even before the end of the tournament, more than nine countries announced their desire to be the hosts too.
“Kazan says goodbye to the tournament. But for the Games of the Future, everything is just beginning. We pass on the baton and our experience on to other countries. Phygital competitions will continue to delight fans around the globe and engage more and more people in phygital movement. Onwards: to the future!” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.