Olga Slutsker takes over the position from Yuri Smirnov, who was commended by Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation, Pavel Kolobkov, for the results he achieved during his tenure. Mrs. Slutsker—who has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of ‘Russian Fitness Group’, President of the World Class Fitness Club Network and Head of the National Federation of Fitness Aerobics—was proposed by Mr. Smirnov and unanimously supported by representatives of 55 regions from across the country.
“I see it as my task to support and strengthen the regions so that people there can develop successfully. Another task is to raise the status of Special Olympics Russia, to make it more recognizable, so that families know that there is such a movement. It is important and necessary to work with the state authorities, but the state can be only a partner, not a “crutch” for any organization.”
Pavel Kolobkov, Minister of Sport of the Russian Federation, added, “Knowing the personal and professional qualities of Mrs. Olga Slutsker, I am confident that the many tasks ahead of the organisation will be solved. And the business approach of a newly-elected president is very appealing to me. It is important to note the continuity of organization’s management team, the continuity of traditions and the continuity of development programmes. We need to ensure that regional offices for Special Olympics Russia will be established in every region of the country. Further development of such a movement as Special Olympics is possible only with the interaction and cooperation of various institutes and entities.”
Also at the conference, the outgoing President, Yuri Smirnov, was unanimously elected to the position of new Honourary President of Special Olympics Russia.