Russian Orthodox priests armed with household brooms showed off their skills at a youth sports event south of Moscow on Sunday to mark the start of spring.
Images shared by the local administration in the Tula region showed the robed clergymen sliding ceramic kettles across the ice with brooms.
Students from 15 schools across the region’s Uzlovsky district 200 kilometers south of Moscow competed in disciplines including biathlon, bobsled and something called “winter basketball,” the administration said.
“Both fans and participants were particularly delighted with curling, where a kettle was rolled with brooms,” it added.
Deacon Illarion said “the holiday included not only sports, but also intellectual competitions and puzzles.”
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