Ilsur Metshin: "We guarantee huge support for our athletes"

(Kazan, KZN.RU, April 15, by Zilya Gayfi). One hundred days are left to the start of the water sports championship in Kazan. Preparation of venues for the competitions is in full swing – the Tatneft Arena, which will host the opening ceremony; the Kazan Arena, where a swimming pool is set for the finals; and the Water Sports Palace, which will be the championship's main venue.

Hectic time lies ahead of Kazan athletes preparing for the qualifying competition to get into the National Team of Russia. In the course of their meeting at the Kazan Arena, candidates for the National Team told Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin about their preparation for the championships, their expectations and experiences. The mayor assured the athletes that they will be given all necessary support in preparation for the competition.

Five athletes – students of the “Delta” youth sports school, swimmers Yana Martynova and Ernest Maksumov and “Synthesis” water polo team players, Roman Shepelev, Mikhail Ivankov and Aleksey Ryzhov- Alenichev, are vying for the right to get into the Russian National Team.

Like in any other spectacular sporting event, fans' support is vital for athletes. The Kazan Arena, which is being prepared for the installation of a swimming pool, will have a seating capacity of 12,000. "We guarantee you huge support on the part of our fans. We know how to root and we love our athletes. Even when no Russian athletes are playing, our fans root for foreign players because they love sports, and our guests become aware of this. We will create a special, warm atmosphere of support for you, " assured the mayor.

At the end of the meeting, Ilsur Metshin noted that it is important not only to get into the team, but also to show good results. "You have to win. We're expecting medals from you. Under the leadership of our president, our city will do everything possible and impossible to make the championships memorable for both visitors and locals," said the mayor.