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For example, Mechel has funded the construction of five hockey rinks in Chelyabinsk where children can play for free under the guidance of professional coaches. October 2003 marked the opening of the only indoor hockey rink in the Irkutsk Oblast, which was funded by Mechel. We also support the popular Radost song festival and contest for children and youths, which are held annually at the Gorky Cultural Center in Myski during spring vacation. Our subsidiaries have established a number of cultural and artistic centers that provide leisure activities for our employees and their families. Approximately 1,500 people study at Chelyabinsk Metallurgical Plant’s Cultural and Technical Center and 1,500 children participate in courses at the Danko Children’s Cultural Center. Sporting events also bring our employees together. The purpose of these activities is, in large part, to make each metalworker and miner feel that they are part of our team. In addition to promoting social activities for the company’s employees and their families since 2003, Mechel has been the general partner of the Russian national biathlon team. In 2004, Russian biathletes won six medals at the world championship in Oberhof, Germany. Furthermore, the Mechel hockey team competes in a major Russian hockey league. Mechel is also an official partner of the Dynamo women's volleyball team. This is one of Russia's most renowned sport club teams. The Dynamo team was second in the Russia's Super League women's volleyball championships in the 2003-2004 season.
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We recognize that employee health is vital to our success in a competitive market. For this reason, we promote the development of an athletic and healthy lifestyle at our plants and in the surrounding regions.