On 27 September, a long-awaited event took place – the grand opening of a universal sports ground for students and staff of the Bolgar Islamic academy. The ceremony was attended by state counsellor of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, chief of staff of the office of the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan Asgat Safarov, advisor on the implementation of charitable programs of the fund for the support of islamic culture, science and education Alexei Petrov, mufti of Tatarstan Kamil khazrat Samigullin, deputy of the state council of the Republic of Tatarstan, general director of of the open joint-stock company “Alekseevskdorstroy” Foat Valiev.

The event, timed to coincide with the Mawlid al-Nabi celebrations, traditionally began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and collective dua.

The First President of Tatarstan, State Counsellor of the Republic Mintimer Shaimiev congratulated the audience on the occasion of “Mawlid al-Nabi” – the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him).

“We are gathered on such an important day. As you can see, if we take on something, everything works out. This is what unity and harmony means. You and I are witnesses of how the unity of all residents of the Republic is achieved,” M. Shaimiev said.

Rector of the academy Farkhat Khusnutdinov, addressing the participants of the event, noted that the opening of the universal sports ground is a landmark event.

“An educational institution is called not only to provide knowledge and future profession, but also to promote all-round development of a student’s personality. Thus, the Academy carries out great work on popularization of a healthy lifestyle and introducing students to various types of sports,” the rector stressed.

Advisor for the implementation of charitable programs of the Fund for the Support of Islamic Culture, Science and Education Alexei Petrov shared the words of congratulations and wished to demonstrate results not only in scientific and educational terms, but also in the field of sports.

“It is gratifying that our modern domestic religious figures develop comprehensively: they do not limit themselves to spiritual nourishment, but also maintain their physical health,” Petrov said.

Mufti Kamil khazrat Samigullin also spoke about the importance of a Muslim taking care of his health, reminding that it is an amanah of the Almighty.

“Students of the academy should be strong both in spirit and body. It is gratifying that we are opening such a place on the 12th day of the month of Rabi al-Awwal, the birthday of our beloved Prophet (peace and blessings of the Almighty be upon him),” the Mufti added.

The official ceremony ended with the autograph of Mintimer Shaimiev and Asgat Safarov on the football ball, as well as a symbolic kick on the ball of the state counsellor of the Republic, which kicked off a friendly match with the participation of students of the Academy.

For reference.

The universal sports ground on the territory of the Bolgar Islamic academy was built with the financial support of the fund for the support of Islamic culture, science and education. it is designed for volleyball, basketball, mini-football, as well as for workout (for training on tourniquets, Swedish walls, exercise machines for various muscle groups, for playing table tennis, etc.).

The ground will meet the needs of students and employees of the academy in physical training and sports, to involve students and employees in sports life in order to promote healthy lifestyles and attract to mass sports, to hold sports events, holidays aimed at preserving and promoting health, and to organize leisure activities for students and employees.