Russian pole vault queen, Yelena Isinbayeva visited Russia’s pavilion at the 2010 World Expo in China and said she was impressed the way it represents her country.
“The Russian pavilion has greatly impressed me. It is pleasant to see future Russia so clean, green and advanced,” Isinbayeva, who holds 27 world records in pole vaulting, said at a news conference in Shanghai.
Russia constructed a pavilion at the exhibition for the first time in 30 years. The sun-shaped building comprises 12 white-and-gold towers symbolizing the 12 months of the year, and occupies an area of 6,000 square meters.
“Today’s Russia is not bears, caviar and vodka. Today’s Russia is the country, which is actively developing its economy with cutting-edge technologies, culture, and sports. It is a country which plays an active role in the world and inspires respect,” she said.
Isinbayeva, who also holds the awards of the 2006, 2008 and 2009 Athlete of the Year, said that at the pavilion she particularly liked the section called "The City of the Future through Children's Eyes."
The 2010 World Expo is being held in Shanghai from May 1 to October 31, 2010. Up to 70 million people are expected to visit the city for the event, which has seen investment of up to $4 billion. Over 200 states, corporations and international organizations are taking part in the exhibition.
The Russian pavilion is considered one of the most popular and innovative at the Expo and attracts about 40,000 visitors every day.
SHANGHAI, August 23 (RIA Novosti)
