Russia receives flag of BRICS Sports Games from South Africa

The ceremony of handing over the flag of the BRICS Sports Games from South Africa to Russia was held at the plenary session "Successes in the development of physical culture and sports" at the exhibition-forum "Russia", TASS reported.

Russian swimmers Evgenia Chikunova and Georgy Glazunov carried the flag to the stage, and South African Ambassador to Russia Mzuvukile Jeff Maqetuka handed the flag to the head of the Russian Sports Oleg Matytsin

"Russia will do everything necessary for the BRICS Games to strengthen peace and reinforce the value of sport in today's realities. This is a platform of communication without limitations and any differences," Matytsin said.

The ceremony featured a video message by Ndileka Mandela, BRICS 2024 Games Ambassador granddaughter of former South African President Nelson Mandela.

"As Ambassador, I send my best wishes to the host country, which holds the BRICS 2024 presidency, and to all participants in the upcoming competition. Let us unite together, fully sharing the view of my grandfather who is credited with saying that sport can change the world," said Ndileka Mandela.

The Russia Exhibition and Forum takes place from 4 November 2023 in Moscow. It is designed to showcase the country's achievements in various sectors of the economy. All 89 regions of Russia presented their expositions.