Figure skaters Roman Kostomarov and Oksana Domnina shared with the participants of the "Excursion with Knowledge" project at the RUSSIA EXPO how to become a champion in sport and life

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On July 4 at the RUSSIA EXPO, figure skating champions Roman Kostomarov and Oksana Domnina gave children an informative tour of the "Alley of Glory" of the "Knowledge" Society. The participants got acquainted with the achievements of Russian athletes and learned how sport influences the quality of life and builds character. The walk with the champions took place as part of the "Excursion with Knowledge" program.

The names of Roman Kostomarov and Oksana Domnina are familiar to all sports fans. Roman is an Olympic champion in ice dancing, two-time world champion, three-time European champion. Oksana Domnina is a bronze medalist of the 2010 Olympics, world champion, two-time European champion. Opening the tour, the speakers reminded that the "Alley of Glory" was created by the Russian Society "Knowledge" with the support of the Ministry of Sport of the Russian Federation specially for the International RUSSIA EXPO, and among its exhibits one can see the main sports trophies won by our athletes at world championships. The sports couple also noted that the excursion is held on the eve of the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, and talked about their family.

"We have a wonderful family. You could say my wife brought me back from the dead when I got sick. This, perhaps, is the main secret of family happiness - to be a support and a pillar for loved ones in any circumstances, because the strength of family relationships is tested in difficult moments. And I urge you: take care of your loved ones, because relatives are the most precious thing that any person can have," Roman Kostomarov shared his opinion.

The excursion route began with the exposition devoted to martial arts, where the participants learned about the main victories of Russian wrestlers. The walk continued with acquaintance with the achievements of shooters and fencers. Roman Kostomarov and Oksana Domnina made a separate stop near the steles with awards of champions in summer sports, noting the outstanding successes of Russia: more than 400 Olympic and more than 2000 medals of international championships. The participants of the "Excursion with Knowledge" learned interesting stories and vivid facts at the stands of air, water and game sports. Together with the speakers, the guests of the "Alley of Glory" recalled the legendary Olympic Games of 2014 in Sochi, where not only Russian athletes distinguished themselves, but also the organizers who built 11 unique sports facilities especially for this event. And at the exposition of winter sports, Roman Kostomarov and Oksana Domnina showed their medals and shared their story about the path to Olympic victories and the emotions one feels when standing on the top step of the podium.

"I was very proud to hand over my medals to the "Alley of Glory" of the "Knowledge" Society. They are very dear to me, but nobody sees them at home, and here thousands of guests of the RUSSIA EXPO can touch the history of victories that involved a colossal amount of labor and time. And when you hear the anthem of your country while standing on the pedestal, it is an incomparable feeling. I hope my children will also become champions. I try to be an example for them, to inspire them to train even more. Because if you train like everyone else, you are unlikely to win," said Roman Kostomarov.

"I started skating on an outdoor rink in my native Kirov, and we had to practice even at thirty degrees below zero. Honestly speaking, it was difficult. But you wake up in the morning and think: "Well, I love figure skating!". I wish each of you to love what you do. Because when you love what you do, all difficulties are easy to overcome. Find your sport, your profession and despite everything go forward!" Oksana Domnina added.

At the end of the tour the participants tested their knowledge about the history of Russian sports in an informative quiz and took pictures with famous figure skaters to keep the memory of the interesting walk along the "Alley of Glory" of VDNH. The educational program "Excursion with Knowledge" is part of a large-scale educational program that the Russian Society "Knowledge" has developed for the RUSSIA EXPO to give everyone an opportunity to learn about our country's achievements in various spheres, discuss important issues and prospects for Russia's development. Every month more than 20 exclusive author's tours take place at the RUSSIA EXPO as part of the educational program "Excursion with Knowledge".

The International RUSSIA EXPO showcases the most important achievements of the country in one place. Throughout the Exposition, cultural events, a rich business and educational program await the guests. The expositions of 89 Russian regions, leading federal agencies, corporations and public organizations are presented to the visitors. More than 18 million people have already visited the Exposition. The International RUSSIA EXPO takes place on the territory of VDNH in Moscow from November 4 to July 8.