Moscow Dynamo, VTB and a happy future

Olga Mostepanova coaches a youngster a few days ago, at Moscow's historic Dynamo club

Russian bank VTB, important sponsors of Russian gymnastics, features a photo opportunity on its website today about Moscow Dynamo, highlighting the skill of its coaches, the accomplishments of its great gymnasts, and the sport's secure future as part of its massive redevelopment of the Dynamo stadium.

You will remember that back in July last year, RRG featured a story on Dynamo's great history, highlighting the Club's uncertain future as it made a move out of its traditional home to make way for the massive VTB Park development which will house multiple sporting facilities as part of efforts to build social and economic infrastructure.  The VTB Arena is expected to be the focus venue for the 2018 Football World Cup, so you will become familiar with this facility then, if not before!  Dynamo Gymnastics' future was in some doubt at that time as no promises could be made as to the rehousing of the club in the new facilities once they reopen in 2016.  

I am glad to report that VTB is keen now to emphasise that gymnastics is definitely part of the plan and we have been treated to a great photo shoot and interviews with some of Dynamo's leading gymnasts and coaches, in particular the legendary Olga Mostepanova, and Russian national team captain Emin Garibov.

Russian team captain, Emin Garibov, works hard with some of the young gymnasts at his club, who will become Dynamo's champions of the future

Olga Mostepanova, who scored a perfect 40 points out of 40 in the all around at Oloumoc in 1984, works every day with her young gymnasts at Dynamo.  Now a mother of five children, she said, 'Each child is different and benefits from a different approach'.

Emin Garibov, who competed at the 2012 Olympics and has won gold medals at European Championships and last year's Universiade, remembers tough but ultimately fulfilling times at Dynamo. 'My parents brought me here.  I often didn't want to join in, and would cry.  But then the results came. Nothing quite compares with the feeling of victory, and that's why I work.  I don't cry on the medal podium though; I am not that sentimental.'

Other sports benefitting from VTB's investment will include football, hockey, fencing, basketball and various types of martial arts.  VTB hopes that the great new facilities (due to reopen in 2016) will bring forward many young champions in both these sports and in gymnastics.  In the meantime, Dynamo's coaches and gymnasts continue to make the best of their temporary home at the Olympiski stadium.

More reading

Moscow Dynamo: Past, Present and Future?  http://www.rewritingrussiangymnastics.blogspot.co.uk/search?q=Dynamo#!http://rewritingrussiangymnastics.blogspot.com/2013/07/moscow-dynamo.html

VTB Arena: social component

http://en.vtb-arena.com/project-and-society/sport

From small to large: VTB's original story and photo gallery

http://vtbrussia.ru/sport/vtbarena/ot-mala-do-velika/