Journalists and candidates from "United Russia" played football in Kazan.

      At the mini-football field of the "Labor Reserves" stadium in Kazan, journalists from republican media and candidates for the preliminary voting of "United Russia" met, as reported on the official party website. The annual friendly prime league, organized by the Tatarstan regional branch of the party, is timed to coincide with the celebration of Russia Day. Participants were welcomed by Yuri Kamal'tinov, Deputy Secretary of the regional branch of "United Russia," head of the faction in the State Council of Tatarstan, and Vice-Speaker of the Tatarstan Parliament, and Alexander Lapin, Hero of Russia and candidate for preliminary voting. "Today, everyone in the country is celebrating a national holiday. Russia is the Motherland, it is what we are ready to work for day and night; warriors are ready to sacrifice their health and lives for the future of the country. The entire multinational people are proud of the achievements and traditions of the country. I want to congratulate all participants of the special military operation, the working people, our older generation, and the youth on this holiday! I wish all my fellow countrymen and fighters robust health, labor success, and heroic deeds. And that slogan, which was born during the Great Patriotic War – 'Everything for the front! Everything for Victory!' – has united us all and gives us the opportunity to help the participants of the special military operation and move us towards our Victory!" Alexander Lapin congratulated everyone on the holiday. "It is deeply symbolic that this match takes place on Russia Day. 'United Russia' and sports are inseparable concepts for us because all events organized by the party are related to the health of our citizens and the preservation of the population. Engaging in sports and physical culture is one of the important elements of strengthening people's health," emphasized Yuri Kamal'tinov. The prime league is being held in Kazan for the 15th time. This year, the team of candidates for preliminary voting includes State Duma deputies Ruslan Gadzhiev, Ilya Wolfson, and Aidar Metshin, participant of the special military operation, State Council of Tatarstan deputy Eduard Sharafiev, member of the General Council of "United Russia," Kazan City Duma deputy Marcel Sharapov, and State Council of Tatarstan deputy, head of the regional branch of the "Young Guard of United Russia" Ruslan Shigabudinov. The team also includes Green Dolinsk Council deputy Arthur Kamaleev, assistant to the State Duma deputy Rail Shamsutdinov, member of the Youth Parliament of Tatarstan Stanislav Arkhipov, party supporter and KFU employee Maxim Gavrilov. "On Russia Day, the party organizes such a traditional sports holiday, where activists of 'United Russia,' athletes, and candidates for preliminary voting play with representatives of the media. In the past, I was a professional athlete – karate – and I continue to keep myself in shape. This includes fitness, football, and basketball. I want to emphasize that 'United Russia' places great importance on sports. Within the framework of the people's program, sports grounds and children's centers are being opened. Events like today's meeting confirm both Kazan's status as the sports capital of the country and how the party contributes to development in this direction," emphasized Marcel Sharapov. Also present to support like-minded individuals were Marat Samigullin, head of the executive committee of the regional branch of the party, and Rasim Baksikov, Hero of Russia and Deputy Minister of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of Tatarstan. "Amateur sports are about nurturing the younger generation and supporting adults in their hobbies. It positively affects the overall health of the nation. And it also brings bright emotions – even as a fan, when children cheer for their parents' game and vice versa. And when they play together – it is beneficial for unity," shared Rasim Baksikov. The journalists' team included the press service of HC "Ak Bars" – Almaz Gafiyatov, Nikita Likhachev, Ilya Tagirov, specialist of the press service of the Football Federation of Tatarstan Alexander Gromyko, employee of the press service of OAO "TAIF" Alexander Urazov, author of the channel "Simply about 'Rubin'" Timur Kasimov, and "Evening Kazan" was represented by Arthur Enikeev and Pavel Melnikov, while the press center of KFU delegated Denis Davydov. The unchanging captain of the journalists' team is Djaudat Abdullin from the online publication "Real Time." "We have a legendary lineup, one might say. The core of the team was gathered back for the 'Friendship Cup' involving the executive and legislative branches of the CIS. Our friends from other regions came, and the games took place from 2008 to 2014. And in 2011, at the suggestion of the Tatarstan regional branch of 'United Russia,' we held our first match, and since then our prime league has become traditional. Over this time, of course, the composition of the journalists' team has changed. But some of them, for example, Arthur Enikeev – have been here since the very first game," said Djaudat Abdullin. "I joined the RT media team when I was still a novice journalist. And I can say that the games always take place with great intensity. This is, of course, a friendly match, but on the field, no one gives in; all emotions are genuine. And now, during the World Cup, holding such a match is a divine opportunity," believes Arthur Enikeev. Djaudat Abdullin clarified that the competition between the teams is intense: every year, athletes fight for every point. "Over the years, there have been tournaments that ended in a draw. And I swear that during this time, not a single athlete has given in or let down their team. Friendship wins," he stated. "I detail every such tournament in my article, discussing all the nuances. I do this so that every voter can evaluate their candidate for preliminary voting and form their own opinion about them. I can say that the 'United Russia' team plays fairly, and our team does too," confirmed Arthur Enikeev. The first game between the teams took place 15 years ago – in 2011. During this time, the following members played for the United Russia team: Timur Akulov, Ildar Berkhiev, Viktor Budarin, Ildar Gilmoutdinov, Irek Zinnurov, Ruslan Minabutdinov, Rasim Baksikov, Danis Zaripov, and others. In the RT media team over the years have played Igor and Alexander Bogachev, Alexander Pshenichny, Alexander Degtyarev, Stanislav Golle, and Danil Zainullin.

      photo: official portal of "United Russia"