I. Metshin: "The World Cup 2015 will cause genuine interest to Kazan in the world"

(KZN.RU, July 24). Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin greeted residents and visitors of the capital of Tatarstan on the day of the official start of the XVI World Championship FINA.

"Dear citizens of Kazan and guests of the capital of Tatarstan!

These days millions of people from all over the world direct their views to Kazan. Our city has the honor to host the participants and viewers of XVI FINA World Aquatics Championship and the World Cup in the "Masters" category. This is an unprecedented event in the history of not only Russian, but also the world sports.

The championship, which we are opening today, will be the largest event in the history of the International Swimming Federation. Representatives of 190 countries will gather together in the capital of our republic. The strongest athletes in the world will compete for the title of the best on water tracks, demonstrating their skills and strength of character.

Holding of the major international competitions in Kazan is an indicator of high trust of the country's leadership and the International Swimming Federation to our city.

This confidence is based on the real experience of our city and its citizens, on our willingness to take the most important events of the world of sport at the highest true metropolitan level.

Two years ago XXVII World Student Games were held in Kazan. The events of those days are safe in our memory. We have fulfilled the task entrusted to us, the Universiade was held with dignity. Athletes and our many guests along with the awards and souvenirs have taken a fond of memories of our city and its inhabitants.

Now we have more responsible and large-scale task. And I am sure we will cope with it, we will not just live it up, but exceed the expectations of the world community.

We have been carefully preparing for this important event, we did much for the Championship to be the bright, saturated, memorable holiday for fans of water sports from different corners of the globe. We have completely modernized transport, hotel and sports infrastructure. Advanced technologies in various fields of life have been put at the service of people. Favorable conditions are created and a rich cultural program is prepared for our guests to enjoy their time in Kazan.

I am sure that the World Cup 2015 will cause a genuine interest to Kazan in the whole world!

The extremely entertaining championship will attract a huge audience, and our citizens will certainly accord the hearty welcome to those who will stay in Kazan.

I wish new victories and outstanding records to all participants of the Championship, bright emotions to the fans, a pleasant acquaintance with Kazan to the visitors of the city, and a pleasure of communicating with new interesting people to our citizens! "- the statement says.