Kazan Universiade comparable to Olympics, said Vladimir Putin

(KZN.RU, July 7, Renat Shirmanov) The scale of the World University Summer Games in Kazan is comparable to the Olympics. The organizers did their best to make the participants feel at home. This was stated by Russian President Vladimir Putin in his address to the participants and guests of the Games.

The President arrived in Kazan for the 2013 Universiade opening ceremony, which was held at the new 45,000-spectator football stadium "Kazan-Arena". The colorful show in the filled to capacity arena was watched by the Head of State, Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, Kazan Mayor Ilsur Metshin, FISU (International University Sports Federation) President Claude-Louis Gallien and other distinguished guests.

Vladimir Putin addressed the Universiade participants on behalf of the hospitable people of Russia. "Welcome to Kazan - one of the most beautiful and ancient cities of our vast and multi-ethnic country. Gathered here today are young, successful athletes. Friends, you are representing different countries and continents, but you are joined together by the Universiade, whose scale can easily compete with that of the Olympics. We have done everything possible to make the participants of the sports festival feel at home and reach peak performance, to sustain the intensity of emotions in the difficult struggle,” said Vladimir Putin.

"Of course, the strongest will be victorious, but the spirit of the Universiade will always stay with you. You are all united by the ideals of sport, hope for success and victory. In these solemn moments, your hearts beat in unison; you share common feelings and ideas. I wish all of you to overcome yourselves and achieve new personal bests. Let these moments of struggle and triumph be vivid and memorable. Let them stay with you for life," said the President of Russia

In his turn, FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien stressed that taking part in the Universiade was a great honor for the entire FISU community. "We are in Russia - a country that seeks to achieve new horizons, and where the future of young people has become a national priority; in Tatarstan - a unique crossroads of different civilizations, cultures and nationalities; in Kazan - a beautiful city that has been evolving throughout its history, a city that has opened its doors to guests from around the world," said Claude-Louis Gallien.

"More than 14 thousand guests from 160 countries will be staying in the wonderful Universiade Village. The athletes will compete in 27 sports at the magnificent venues. We are looking forward to two unforgettable weeks, filled with competition, spectacle, unforgettable emotions and universal joy. But the Universiade is something more. It is the joy and courage of Kazan, which are displayed in the contributions the city has made to the project aiming at social cohesion and development of young people in Russia and around the world. The Universiade is the power of will. During the six years of hard work, Kazan has proved that it is able to become a center of Russian sports and host the most ambitious events," said the FISU President
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At the end of the ceremony,Vladimir Putin announced the 27th World Summer Universiade open.