V.Putin: "We have set a goal to hold the world championship at the highest level"

(Kazan City KZN.RU, July 24, Adelia Galieva). Russia is holding the World Championship in water sports for the first time, and the every effort to carry it out at the highest level was made. It is no coincidence that Kazan is the venue for the tournament - the city which is very closely related to the development of sports both mass and professional. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his welcoming speech to the participants and guests of the World Cup of water gathered in the hall of the Ice Palace "Tatneft Arena."

The President arrived in Kazan to participate in the grand opening ceremony of the World Cup in water sports. Together with him director of the International Swimming Federation FINA Julio Maglione, Acting President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin and about 8 thousand inhabitants and guests of the capital of Tatarstan joined to the audience of a scale water philosophical show. In addition, the show was broadcasted in more than 100 countries. Earlier it was reported that the TV audience of the ceremony will be more than 1 billion people. Kazan citizens were able to see a live broadcast on a huge media facade of the stadium "Kazan Arena".

President of the country addressed with a welcoming speech to all those present in the hall. "Russia welcomes the guests and participants of the XVI World Championship in water sports, welcomes all who love sports. Our country is holding such tournament at the first time, and we were aiming to do it at the highest level ", - said the head of the country. He expressed gratitude to all who participated in the preparation of the championship, who organized the competition in close contact with the International Federation FINA. Putin also emphasized the contribution of the authority of Republic of Tatarstan.

"We have gathered in Kazan which is very closely related to the development of sport, were people actively support and performance professional and mass sports. Together we have done everything  to the world championship was successful! The athletes will show the maximum of their skills and the audience will become participants of a large sporting event, "- said Putin.

"We want very much that everyone who came to Russia would feel and appreciate the hospitality and warmth of our people, discover the diversity of our distinct culture and traditions, and of course, find new true friends," - Russian President expressed the wish. He also wished new personal achievements to the sportsmen. "Let the medals go to the strongest ones", - concluded Vladimir Putin.

Julio Maglione also addressed with words of welcome to the guests of the championship. "This championship attracted a record number of National Federations, 189 countries sent their best athletes to participate in competitions. Around the world, billions of television viewers from 200 countries will see the broadcast of the event. Tomorrow the media on 5 continents will tell about this magnificent opening ceremony, "- the president of the International Swimming Federation noted the enormity of the games.

He expressed confidence that thanks to the efforts of the leadership and people of Russia, Tatarstan and Kazan Championship will reach a new level. "Kazan, on their sites you are taking the greatest holiday of water sports! An exciting event will take place in the first-class sports facilities in the heart of the city, revealing our sports stars’ shine to the world. We are convinced that another new brilliant pages in the history of FINA will be written in Kazan "- said Julio Maglione.

At the end of the official introductory part Vladimir Putin announced the World Cup FINA to be opened. All guests of the ceremony standing welcomed the raising of the flag of FINA at the sounds of the anthem.