OREANDA-NEWS. Gazprom Neft's “Home Towns” corporate social responsibility (CSR) program has seen the opening of two major sports facilities in the Yamal Peninsula. Opened in December 2013 the two Zenit Sports Centers, in the Vyngapurovsky district, Noyabrsk, and the village of Khanymey, Purovsky district, have multifunctional team sports facilities, training rooms, modern locker rooms and showers, and boast the latest in cutting-edge equipment.

The first (and largest) of the Gazprom Neft-sponsored Zenit sport centers was opened in Noyabrsk in 2012. Named after the renowned Russian football player and coach, the Yuri Morozov Zenit Sports Arena can be easily converted into a concert or conference hall, and has quickly become established as the leading sports and events venue in Noyabrsk.

Gazprom Neft Management Board member Alexander Dybal commented: “Development of sports infrastructure in those regions in which Gazprom Neft operates is a key priority for us. We all know how effective popular sports brands are in promoting healthy lifestyles. Gazprom Neft has long been a major sponsor of the Avangard ice hockey club as well as football club Zenit, and we are passionate about supporting joint social projects with leading sports clubs such as these. But establishing and supporting facilities such as those in Khanymey and Noyabrsk is also vital, and we are confident this will give a real boost to sport in these areas.”

Gazprom Neft's “Home Towns” CSR program includes a range of other initiatives aimed at promoting development in those regions central to the company's production activities.