Visit to Tskhinval – August 2009

Some of the staff of my charity foundation paid a visit to Tskhinval on 17 August. It was a working trip: there were some issues to resolve around the construction of the new sports centre, and of course they wanted to see how the work is going and what changes have taken place. The future sports centre is right in the middle of Tskhinval and covers quite a large area. My colleagues tell me all the load-bearing structures are now in place, the layout of the rooms is clearly visible and you can see where the gymnastics hall, the pool and the wrestling hall will be. It all looks very grand and impressive.

The builders – most of whom live in South Ossetia – are very enthusiastic and are really putting their heart and soul into the job. They say this is a special project for them, because the sports centre is also intended for their children, who have been deprived of the opportunity to do interesting and useful things during their leisure time. The way they look at it is: “So they’ve destroyed it? Well, we’re going to build something better!” I think with that attitude the job will definitely be finished on time. And I really hope it is. )))

* This is where the gymnastics hall will be

* There will be two swimming pools here (teaching and professional)

* One of the most challenging phases of construction – the earthworks - was recently completed and now you can see changes taking place at the site every day…