The red carpet was rolled out last evening in Beijing for the launch gala of the 2016 Silk Way Rally in the presence of several very special invitees, including the rally’s principle partners and the organization staff. This launch party was followed by an official press conference the following morning. Vice Minister of Sport Russia Nagornyh Yuriy and The Vice Minister of General Administration of Sport of China, Yang Shuan were in attendance.
Tuxedos and formal gowns were de rigueur Wednesday evening at the Grand Hotel Beijing, one of the best known luxury hotels in Beijing, located within walking distance of the Forbidden City, during the gala officially launching the 2016 Silk Way Rally in China. Reunited with its Director Vladimir Chagin, the staff of the rally organization solemnly hosted the senior representatives of the major partners of the event, Mr. Alexey Miller President of OJSC Gazprom and CNPC, as well as a number of government officials from the host countries like the Chinese and Russian Federations. The launch evening also permitted organisers to reveal the new visual identity of the Silk Way Rally, conceived by Denis Simanchev based on the White Tiger. Common to both Russia and China and symbol of bravery in Chinese mythology, the big cat is now the symbol of the race, to inspire and protect competitors throughout the rally, whatever the difficulties.
An all new logo and VIPs were also present the following morning at the Official 2016 Silk Way Rally Press Conference, which was more formal with the presence of Vice Minister of Sport Russia Nagornyh Yuriy and The Vice Minister of Sport China, Yang Shuan. These two high-level representatives of the host countries also came to endorse the support of their respective governments to the event in which they are increasing their involvement in the process of creating the biggest Eurasian Rally-Raid.
These two Beijing events, once again, demonstrated the perfect interconnection between the organisers and the various local administrations, which had already been symbolized in the opening of a Silk Way Rally office in Beijing in late November to join those in Paris and Moscow. Under the direction of Chinese media and sports event organisation specialist Kathy Lee, this 3rd office’s primary role will be to relay information, promote the event to Chinese media as well as future competitors, but also contribute to the development of its audience among viewers and fans through social networks.
And finally, it is worth noting that in addition to these two events, a co-operation project with the Federation of Automobile and Motorcycle sports of China, whose President, Zhan Guojun was present both at the gala and press conference, and a three-year agreement was established, paving the way for an extensive collaboration, especially in the areas of sport, logistics and competition safety.
The 2016 Silk Way Rally will start on July 8, 2016 from Red Square in Moscow and will see the competitors race over several thousand kilometres crossing the majestic landscapes of Russia, Kazakhstan and China, before arriving at the finish line in the heart of Beijing on July 24.
QUOTES:
“This begins a new chapter in Motorsport history and world rally-raids. The Silk Way Rally is a really unique event; it will provide great challenge for all the participants, for whom I would like to wish good luck.”
Nagornyh Yuriy, Vice Minister of Sport Russia
“The holding of the Silk Way Rally on the ancient route of the famous Silk Road is a great honor for us. This rally will create a sustainable bridge of friendship between Russia and China and strengthen our partnership, which has withstood for many, many years.”
Yang Shuan, Vice Minister of General Administration of Sport of China
“The Silk Way Rally is a very important event for our country. It is much more than just a rally-raid. It is a bridge between our countries and every effort is being made for this international competition to be perfectly organised. The Chinese Motor Racing Federation is fully committed to this project. The Silk Way Rally will become one of the most covered sporting events in Chinese media. We are proud and impatient to host the competitors from around the world!”
Zhan Guojun, President of the Chinese Automobile Federation
