UNESCO continues to take part in the Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay
One more torchbearer represented UNESCO in the Sochi 2014 Olympic Torch Relay. Ms Julia Ovsyannikova was designated for this honorable duty as a triple paralympic medalist in table tennis and a student of the Faculty of Physical Education of the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, St. Petersburg – one of the key partners of UNESCO.
The Herzen State Pedagogical University, one of the oldest and largest universities in Russia, and its two UNESCO Chairs in their numerous activities actively support and develop Organizations' ideals and priorities. The University promotes healthy lifestyle, sport and physical education as a tool for fostering of peace and development of intercultural dialogue. The engagement of young people is a key outcome of this activity.
The question “Why should you be chosen to be a torchbearer?” Julia answered as follows: “I am a triple paralympic medalist in table tennis: I won a bronze medal in Athens 2004, a silver medal in Beijing 2008 and a silver medal in London 2012. And I represent the Herzen State Pedagogical University of Russia, one of the key UNESCO partners. This partnership helps the University to use sport to support community development, peace building, informal education and social inclusion.
At the time of the Torch Relay in Pushkin, Julia’s friends, students and teachers of the Herzen University came to support her.
<- Back to: UNESCO Office in Moscow