Sochi Winter Olympic torchbearers can expect a cozy reception on arrival in Tambov on Sunday, as a team of knitters are working on a record-breaking woolen hat to mark the occasion.
The horizontal tricolor of the Russian flag will be used as the basis for the humongous hat's design, but will it also have the logo for the Games and festive snowflakes printed on it, Tambov's culture, sport and tourism department said.
The hat will be supported by a metal frame 6 meters tall and more than 20 meters in circumference, which organizers plan to put outside the main ice rink in Tambov, about 480 kilometers southeast of Moscow.
More than 73 kilograms of yarn are being used to make the hat, which will stay in place until after the Sochi Olympics finish.
The organizers have sent a request to the "Russian Book of Records" for the hat to be recognized as the largest piece of headwear in the country, and the publication's chief editor Stanislav Konenko will be in Tambov on Sunday to present a certificate confirming its unique status.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
