When winter comes, the gymnasts quickly start complaining about the cold and draft. The central heating is hardly adequate when it gets real cold, so additional electric heaters are brought in. The gymnasts decorate their rooms with souvenirs, posters and cuddly toys, to give themselves a feeling of childhood at home. Oksana, Lena, Liuba and Natalia Television sets are standard inventory, with a limited choice of channels in Russian and Ukrainian language, plus Eurosport in English. Tanya talking with her mother Contact with parents, brother, sisters and family is maintained by telephone.
Most gymnasts phone regularly with their parents.
Parents also often visit their children at the Base. The gymnasts bring their own sound systems to listen to radio and tapes. Of course the children like to buy sweets and ice cream, a small and cozy cafeteria on the base is their supply store. Vika, Oksana and Inna enjoying some ice cream Young gymnasts often watch the seniors training. Top of page Leisure activities A favorite leisure activity, when the weather allows, is swimming in the nearby creek, and sunbathing.