The Basketball Academy held a New Year's celebration for the pupils of the Zenit system
Players of various age groups, born between 2013 and 2016, participated in the event. They came from sports schools such as Central, Kupchinsky Olimp, Admiralteyskaya, Izhorets, Vyborg, Kirovskaya, Volkhov, Kalinin and Ilmer Veliky Novgorod.
The celebration began with a welcoming speech from Igor Demenkov, advisor to the BC Zenit CEO on sports reserve development. He greeted the young basketball players and congratulated everyone on the upcoming New Year.
For the children and their parents sports competitions were organized, along with a performance by the cheerleading squad and an autograph session featuring Zenit U21 players Ivan Vasiliev and Alexander Porotnikov.
Alexander Porotnikov, Zenit U21 guard:
I think events like these are very important for young basketball players. First and foremost, basketball should bring joy, and at celebrations like this, kids experience just that through various contests and games. They go home with positive emotions. I hope such celebrations provide additional motivation for them to continue playing basketball and improving. I also want to thank Zenit for organizing this event at the Academy and for inviting us. I hope young players look up to us, the reserve team players, and continue to pursue basketball in their lives.
Ivan Vasiliev, Zenit U21 forward:
I believe such events are undoubtedly important, especially for young players. Thanks to basketball contests and the people present, the younger generation develops a deeper love for basketball more quickly.
Of course, the highlight of the event was the arrival of Ded Moroz and the Snegurochka. The young Zenit players received gifts from the club as well as its partners: Nevskaya Palitra Paints, Chistaya Liniya Ice Cream and the Sevkabel Ice Rink.
Happy New Year, friends!
