Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
The 7th International Winter Ball AVTOTOR Tournament concluded at the AVTOTOR Arena Sports Palace.
Source: AVTOTOR – Avtotor motor vehicles – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
This year's tournament attracted a record number of teams: 48 adult and 48 children's teams, including participants from Mozambique, Angola, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Vietnam, the Republic of Belarus, and other countries. For the first time, the competition featured a group stage and playoffs, and also included elements of phygital.
Despite the large number of teams, the football players and invited guests noted the high level of the football competitions.
"This is a very good tournament, unique in Kaliningrad, and it's attracting attention. It's not just about sports; it's also about team building, and there's a large program running alongside the tournament. The emotions are nothing but positive, it's attracted a lot of attention, and it's turning into a real football festival," said Natalya Ishchenko, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Sport of the Kaliningrad Region.
As part of the tournament, AVTOTOR organized a press conference and autograph session with legends of Russian football. Anyone could ask questions to Rinat Dasayev, winner of the 1988 "Best Goalkeeper in the World" award; Oleg Romantsev, Honored Coach of Russia; Dmitry Alenichev, winner of the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League; Yegor Titov, Spartak Moscow's record holder for the most matches in the Russian championship; Roman Pavlyuchenko, bronze medalist of the 2008 European Championship; Dmitry Sychev, Russia's best footballer of 2004; and Pavel Pogrebnyak, winner of the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup. All the invited stars also took part in a symbolic legends match, which took place on the AVTOTOR ARENA pitch before the finals.
The gala match was a thrilling affair. The Stars defeated the tournament's team 4-3.
"Well, first of all, the fact that such a sports complex exists is already great for the boys' growth. It's cold outside, but here it's summer. There's a field, a ball, all you have to do is train and grow," Oleg Romantsev told Russia.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to express my enormous gratitude to the organizers for the tournament. The sheer joy the children derive from it is truly indescribable. I want competitions to be held at this fantastic complex as often as possible," said Dmitry Alenichev.
The awards ceremony for the winners and runners-up took place on the pitch at AVTOTOR ARENA. The tournament's prize fund was 2 million rubles, along with gifts from its partners. The awards were presented by organizers, sponsors, and Russian football stars.
During the awards ceremony, Valery Gorbunov, Chairman of the Board of Directors of AVTOTOR Holding LLC, emphasized: "First of all, I want to thank Vladimir Shcherbakov, the founder and main shareholder of AVTOTOR. It was thanks to his decision and support that this tournament took place and grows in significance year after year. The presence of Soviet and Russian football legends gives the Winter Ball tournament special significance and highlights its contribution to the development of football in the country. For the boys who competed on the field today, this was an unforgettable experience. I am sure this day will remain etched in their memories forever—not just the games themselves, but also the opportunity to share this celebration with true football stars!"
The adult team winners were as follows: 1st place went to PSZ Yantar-Soyuzmash, 2nd place to RZD-Lokomotiv, and 3rd place to RANEPA's West of Russia. In the children's team category: 1st place to School No. 6, 2nd place to AVTOTOR, and 3rd place to Pervaya (Gymnasium No. 1).
Individual awards were also presented. Among schoolchildren, Andrei Galaktionov (Pervaya) was named best goalkeeper, Semyon Gorovoy (AVTOTOR) was named best forward, Konstantin Turutin (Gvardeets) was named best defenseman, and Ioann Perlukhin (School No. 6) was named best player. Among adult players, awards were presented to: best goalkeeper Sergei Vikulov (AVTOTOR), best forward Aleksandr Zharnikov (RZD-Lokomotiv), best defenseman Kirill Kaisidi (West Russia RANEPA), and best player Aleksandr Syrkin (PSZ Yantar-Soyuzmash).
On the final day, another futsal tournament was held in the AVTOTOR ARENA multi-purpose hall. Teams from across the Kaliningrad Region, comprised of players born in 2018, met on the court. This date is symbolic, as Russia hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, considered by many to be one of the best tournaments in history. Kaliningrad hosted four matches, becoming part of the grand football celebration. The veterans' tournament also brought together experienced players. Guests from Belarus, Armenia, and other countries took to the court. The Kaliningrad Region was represented by veterans of the Baltika football club. During the tournament, AVTOTOR ARENA hosted interactive areas and photo zones. A children's drawing contest, "AVTOTOR Winter Ball," was held among the children of company employees, as well as a competition for the title of best fan. All tournament guests were able to participate in a raffle for prizes provided by partners.
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