By Olamilekan FAWAS
FIFA World Cup spectators at Volgograd in Russia have been trooping to the Memorial Complex to be part of the fun offered by the beautiful features at the Heroes City.
TBI Africa reports that the spectators were in groups of families and friends.
They practically took over the Complex to share in the memories of the “Heroes of Stalingrad Battle’’ on the Mameyev Hill.
From Tsaritsyn in 1589 to Stalingrad in 1925, and then Volgograd in 1961, the city holds so muchmemories of the bloody battles between the Red Army and the Nazis.
TBI Africa reports that the fallen heroes of the Stalingrad Battle were victims of Hitlerian overrun of the City of Volgograd in their gallant move to defend their country.
Among such attractive features at the Heroes City are the Square of the Fallen Fighters (PloshchadPavshikhBortsove), Pavlove House, Panorama Museum and AlleyaGeroyev (Alley of the Heroes).
The football spectators-turned-tourists were engaged in photograph-taking, presentation of flowers (laying of wreaths) at the burial grounds of the heroes and light refreshment after climbing the tall Mameyev Hill.
Speaking later, some of the tourists’ responses were revealing and exciting.Andrei Solosenkho, a Russian from St. Petersburg who said he came to watch the Nigeria/Iceland match, said the trip for the match offered him an opportunity to visit the Memorial Complex.
“The site is a symbol of historical importance in remembrance of the Fallen Heroes of Stalingrad Battle, so, I have to seize the opportunity offered by the World Cup to visit the place.Even though, I am a Russian I have never been to this place before. It is nice being here in a lifetime,” he said.
ChinweOjukwu, a Nigerian lady who came into the complex in company of some Russian counterparts, said that visiting such sites has been her long-time ambition.“I have to take the opportunity offered by the Mundial to visit the place.
“Apart from being a nice sight to behold, it is also a place dedicated to the memory of the fallen heroes of Stalingrad Battle. So, I have to join thousands of visitors who came to pay homage, as well as to have fun,” she said.
Ian Steve, a German, said he had been reading a lot of the history of the Heroes City. “But seeing is believing. This is exactly what I have come to do.”
Joseph Watts, an Icelander who was in Volgograd to support his national team against Nigeria, said he had to utilise the opportunity offered by the World Cup to visit the place of importance.
“I cannot miss coming here, seeing the plethora of football fans who are having fun. I think I did not miss my way at all. It is exciting and interesting as well,” he said.
