"The All-Russian Winter Swimming Competitions took place at the Rowing Canal in Moscow on Monday. Footage shows participants competing in speed swimming in the icy pool and playing water polo. The video also shows some swimming with flags to mark 'Defender of the Fatherland Day' on February 23, which honours the armed forces and foundation of the Soviet Army. "All of Russia's winter swimming lovers gather here, including a large number of professional athletes this year. That means you can enjoy a lot here," participant Sergei revealed. Mike Gibson, a foreign visitor, said he was really impressed. "I love Russia. Great place to be and I particularly love living in Moscow, which is a fabulous city full of energy, motion, movement, art, culture. Everything happens in Moscow. So if you haven't been to Moscow, come to Moscow," he added. The competitions took place from February 21-23 and was the final stage of the previous seasons held in Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Belarus. According to the organisers, more than 250 people from over 30 Russian regions took part in the event, as well as guests from France, the United Kingdom, Ivory Coast and other countries."