Kirilenko praises Utahns, LDS to media in Russia

A couple of weeks ago in the Deseret Morning News there was an article about Andrei Kirilenko, a player for the Utah Jazz. Here are a few excerpts.

Kirilenko was interviewed while working with the Russian national team, which will play in Eurobasket in Spain next week hoping to qualify for the 2008 Olympics. Both publications had big interest in Kirilenko's impressions of Utah, asking if everyone in Salt Lake City is Mormon, if Mormons try to get him to convert, if they bother him. "No, not at all," he told Izvestia. "On the contrary I like their way of life. I don't smoke and don't drink alcohol. I drink coffee very seldom, but can't imagine my table without tea. And nobody forbids me to drink it at my convenience." What Kirilenko does see in Utah is a strong commitment to family. "Practically every married couple has five or six children to whom they try to give each a good education, and the Mormon community helps them with this. There is also a cult[ure] of health and sport.... To me personally, such ways are to my liking." He had similar comments for Soviet Sport. "Mormons are the same Christians like us. Indeed, they hold to strong principles, which characterize their religion. Primarily, it is a cult[ure] of family and children. I, as a person and father of two, like this approach." He noted, "There are many different clubs, establishments and entertainment centers designed specifically for children. "And one more thing about Mormons: They are absolutely peaceful people. They don't agitate anyone and don't force anyone into their faith."

For the complete article, click
here.