International journalists felt themselves as aboriginal people of the North

On Tuesday more than 30 media representatives from Canada, Austria, Italy, Finland, USA and other countries that came to Khanty-Mansiysk to produce coverage of Winter Deaflympic Games 2015 had a sightseeing tour around the city.

They were impressed by the sculptural group of eleven huge mammoths and other animals in world-known Arhaeopark. Then guests visited the authentic settlement of Ob-Ugrian people at the ethnographic open-air museum «Torum-Maa» where they tasted the traditional dishes of aboriginal peoples of the North.

It was an extraordinary experience for all the participants of the tour to learn about the religion of khanti and mansi people, their culture, folklore and traditions. Besides, media teams had an opportunity to taste come authentic local food made for them by the museum’s personnel – oven-fresh bread, ice fish and reindeer broth.

Dawn Jani Birley, ICSD journalist: «I was born in Canada and now I’ve been living in Finland for 15 years. I make films for ICSD and I was very glad to be invited to Khanty-Mansiysk! I like the Deaflympics and I am going in for sport since childhood.

Although Russia is very big, I thought that I knew a lot about your country but I turned out to be not true. When I arrived to Ugra I was so surprised! Khanty-Mansiysk is a beautiful and nice city with unique climate. People of Northern countries are very similar: they are friendly and always ready to help.

I think that Deaflympics in Khanty-Mansiysk are among the best Deaflympics in the history of deaf sport. All sport venues are in good conditions, the ice for curling is perfect. Besides, I was very surprised to see that hearing people try to learn sign language. I am applauding to local people and organizers of such a great event».

Claudio Ferrara, Gebaerdenwelt.TV film editor: «This is my first time on the Winter Deaflympics. I didn’t expect to see such a big sport event with many countries participating. I am very glad to see that live internet broadcasting is organized very well. I feel my self perfect here».

Alvaro, head of media team of Gebaerdenwelt.TV: «Khanty-Mansiysk is a very nice place for tourists, including tourists from abroad. I found a lot of useful information about the city: maps, transport schemes, signs, banners, etc. I was surprised that in winter ice of the river is so thick that it is used as a road for cars and other vehicles. I travelled a lot but I didn’t expect to return back to snowy winter from spring. Still it is not cold here; you don’t have to wear warm clothes».