December 31, 2018RTWF

Happy New Year 2019!

Dear colleagues and friends! On behalf of the Russian Tug of War Federation, I wish you a happy New Year!

Please accept my sincere congratulations on a successful end to the outgoing year for our sport. Without a doubt, through our joint efforts we will reach new heights in 2019.

Success and good health to you and your families in the New Year!

In 2018, together we did an enormous amount of work to strengthen the position of tug of war in Russia as a serious sport. At present, our federation includes 20 active regional branches and federations, and in 10 regions we are supporting initiative groups in formalizing their relations with the RTWF and the state physical culture and sport authorities.

We held the Russian Championship, the Russian Cup and the Russian Youth Championship, as well as the North Caucasus Federal District and Ural Federal District Championships.

With the support of TWIF, two seminars for training coaches and referees were held.

Let me remind you that tug of war is a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee and is developing in 77 countries around the world. And our common short-term goal is to strive for the inclusion of our sport in the Olympic Games program.

Unfortunately, we suffered a great loss with the sudden death of Magomedkhabib Abusov, RTWF representative in the North Caucasus Federal District and head coach of the Dagestan teams. It is very important to all of us that his work, efforts, knowledge and skills not be in vain, and that someone be found to continue his work.

We have big plans for 2019, namely:

1. Double the number of active regional branches and federations.
2. Create a modern information support platform for the development of the sport.
3. Strengthen the material and technical base of the sport by introducing new types of tracks, training equipment and gear.
4. Create a system of professional training for coaches and referees, and arrange internships for them at TWIF events.
5. Begin preparing Russian national teams to take part in the TWIF international competition calendar.
6. Sign agreements on developing tug of war among servicemen of the Armed Forces and the National Guard (Rosgvardia).
7. Conclude long-term sponsorship contracts.
8. Strengthen the RTWF's position in the international arena, in particular by organizing the first tournament among CIS countries and taking an active part in the CIS Games and the BRICS Games.

Once again, happy New Year!

RTWF President

A.A. Kuznetsov