Alex Ovechkin Participates in Russia’s “Knowledge Day”

Posted on September 1, 2016 by Jon Sorensen
alex-ovechkin-team-russia
Photo: CKA Saint Petersburg

Alex Ovechkin and members from Team Russia helped kick off Knowledge Day, or “1 of September” day celebrations today, with an event held on Vasilyevsky Island, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. 

The date has special significance in Russia for the incoming class of first graders who come to school for the first time on this day each year, and often participate in a celebratory assembly on this date. The date/celebration also unofficially marks the end of summer in Russia.

The event included members from Team Russia, headlined by Washington Capitals Captain Alex Ovechkin, who looked pretty excited to be introduced to the crowd.

 

Team Russia participants also included Artemi Panarin (Chicago Blackhawks), Sergei Bobrovsky (Columbus Blue Jackets), Pavel Datsyuk (KHL, SKA Saint Petersburg) and Vladimir Tarasenko (St. Louis Blues).

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJz3v1zh-Ro/?taken-by=mymilllk

(Not exactly thrilled to be heading back to school:)

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#овечкин#и#сын#

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On 1 September 1984, the Supreme Council of the USSR officially designated the first of September as the official ‘Day of Knowledge’.   In towns and villages, well-dressed students arrive at school with a bunch of flowers. The celebration begins when children stand in line and are welcomed by the director of the school and the teachers. Senior students read poetry and perform songs and the “Первый звонок” (first bell) rings for the new comers.

 

The celebration included frightening Russian dance routines by teachers:

 

Members of Team Russia have been gathering in Saint Petersburg over the past two weeks to begin preparations for the World Cup of Hockey.

The Capitals’ Director of Communications and Public Relations, Sergey Kocherov will also be heading to Saint Petersburg to head-up Team Russia’s Public Relations.

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By Jon Sorensen

About Jon Sorensen

Jon has been a Caps fan since day one, attending his first game at the Capital Centre in 1974. His interest in the Caps has grown over the decades and included time as a season ticket holder. He has been a journalist covering the team for 10+ years, primarily focusing on analysis, analytics and prospect development.
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