The preparation for the World Championship WorldSkills has been discussed in Kazan

(KZN.RU, May 21). During the working visit to Kazan, Tatiana Golikova, the deputy prime minister of the RF, held the meeting of the organizing committee for the preparation and holding of the 45th World Championship WorldSkills 2019 in Kazan. Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of the RT, Alexey Pesoshin, the prime minister of the RT, Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, Robert Urazov, the CEO of the Young Professionals Union (WorldSkills Russia), and others took part in the work.

“There are two months left before the world championship. Today we have to sum up results, discuss issues that are important and relevant for us during the preparation period, and focus on some issues. Since we work closely with the President of the RT and the Government of the Republic, everything is going according to plan. I hope that today we will put an end to all organizational issues”, said Tatiana Golikova, opening the meeting.

She said that in accordance with the decree of the Government of the RF, a budget provides 631 million rubles from the reserve fund for the preparation of residential facilities in the WorldSkills Village, which will host at least 5.5 thousand contestants.

In his speech, Rustam Minnikhanov noted that the finals of the VII National Championship “Young Professionals” are being held in Kazan these days. It is also meant to try the readiness to hold competitions of all services, ministries, and departments. The international exhibition center “Kazan Expo” is being tested as well.

Members of the WorldSkills International secretariat headed by Simon Bartley, the WSI President, arrived in the capital of Tatarstan. The President of the RT reminded that in January, the members of the organizing committee inspected the main competition site Kazan Expo, learned the logistics at the facility and were informed about the test events. To date, 9 major events have already been held at the exhibition complex. “We have taken into account the suggestions voiced during the inspection of the object; the additional equipment of the congress hall and the construction of temporary infrastructure. The facility, including temporary ones, is fully prepared to host competitors. There is not much time left until September when the championship will be over. We already need to think about the heritage of the “Kazan Expo”, he noted.

The President of the RT thanked the Government of the Russian Federation and Tatiana Golikova personally for the decision to allocate additional funds from the federal reserve to prepare the WorldSkills Village. He assured that the RT will make every effort to provide comfortable and safe accommodation in the Village.

Also, Kazan’s urban and transport infrastructure will be updated in preparation for the championship. They are brought to the standard condition of the road with a total length of 360 km. Problems are being solved to ensure drainage, lighting, organization of parking pockets, an accessible environment for people with limited mobility.

“There were certain difficulties with a hotel booking. To date, these problems have been resolved, there is no shortage of placements. We have also established active interaction with air carriers. It is planned to increase flights on peak arrival and departure dates for participants and guests of the championship. Assistance is provided in booking air tickets and choosing routes. In general, we successfully contact with all parties involved, the work is being carried out in a planned manner”, said Rustam Minnikhanov.

He also informed the meeting participants that in preparation for the event, issues were resolved to ensure government guarantees. In particular, the safe conduct of the championship and special customs procedures. The concept and integrated security plan for the competition have been approved.

Then Rustam Minnikhanov briefly focused on the championship management system. It was formed based on the analysis of the best world practices and the Kazan experience of holding large events. The main document is a guide to the management system during the championship, which was agreed by the Union of Young Professionals and the Government of the RT. The preparation and conduction of the championship are managed by the Organizing Committee of the RF, the Republican Organizing Committee, the Interdepartmental Operational Headquarters, the Operational Headquarters of the RT, and the working groups.

The President of the RT noted that the main operational center is being formed for the period of the championship. It operates around the clock and ensures the development and implementation of agreed decisions during the competition. Facilities management centers, integrated security points at facilities and others are also formed.