I. Metshin: “First of all, Kazan is people who create an atmosphere of our city”

Traditionally, the celebration of the Republic Day and the City Day in Kazan began today with a festive meeting at the Kazan City Hall. The Mayor of the capital of Tatarstan, Ilsur Metshin, presented municipal and republican awards to people, organizations and enterprises that have made a significant contribution to the development and prosperity of Kazan.

Addressing the audience, the Mayor noted that today honorary residents of Kazan, people of different professions who are united by love for the city, gathered in the hall. “First of all, Kazan is people. They create an atmosphere, which is special, dynamic, creative, nationally warm and surprisingly kind in our city. We cherish and preserve traditions, support culture and national identity,”- he said.

The Mayor noted that Kazan has taken a responsible approach to holding events of the Year of Native Languages and National Unity. He added that the opening of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan was a great historical event for the entire Christian world:

Kazan consistently remains the position of the most well-maintained and comfortable city, unprecedented programs are being adopted for this, I. Metshin drew attention. He added that their implementation and the high rate of construction of social facilities of the city became possible, among other things, thanks to national projects.

Special attention is paid to sports in Kazan, more and more residents of the city prefer a healthy lifestyle, the Mayor noted. “Every second citizen in Kazan is actively engaged in sports. This is facilitated by a wide and accessible network of sports centers, sportsgrounds and individual classes. Next year Kazan will host the Volleyball World Championship,”- he shared the plans. In addition, an inclusive, accessible environment is being created in the city for those who have special needs. The city is preparing to host the Special Olympics in January 2022.

“The pandemic was not easy for the city, but it showed that Kazan is a city of good deeds and people. Our doctors continue to work, showing dedication, professionalism and willingness to risk their health every day for the sake of saving others. Special words of gratitude to the volunteers for their generosity, mercy and help to all who need care and support,”- I. Metshin concluded his speech.

After that, the Book of Honorary Citizens of Kazan and the Book of Honor of Kazan were brought into the hall. New names, organizations and enterprises of the city were added there today. The title of Honorary Citizen of Kazan was awarded today to Mirfatykh Zakiyev, a member of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, professor, chief researcher of the Department of Lexicology and Dialectology of the Institute of Language, Literature and Art of the Tatarstan Academy of Sciences, and Marta Martyanova, Olympic champion of the Tokyo Games in fencing. They received awards by the Mayor of the city.

The name of the acting rector of the Volga State University of Physical Culture, Sports and Tourism Rafis Burganov was included in the Book of Honor of Kazan. He spoke about his professional way and expressed gratitude for the support.

Also, the Kazan Dance Ensemble of the Kazan City Philharmonic, the Kazan Ambulance Station, the Efir TV Company and the State Symphony Orchestra of the republic of Tatarstan were included in the Book of Honor.

In addition, today Ilsur Metshin presented republican and city awards.