Rustam Minnikhanov: Level and quality of Universiade 2013 in Kazan will depend on volunteers’ work

President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov participated in a solemn ceremony “Volunteer of the year 2012”. The event took place at KRK Piramida with participation of volunteers “Kazan 2013”, representatives of 30 Russian regions and 50 higher educational institutions, partners of the World student summer games, volunteers of APEC summit, and the 5th international sport Games “Children of Asia”.

Presenters at the ceremony were three-time Olympic champion and Universiade Ambassador Maria Kiseleva, actor and producer Mikhail Volkonadsky.

Ceremony “Volunteer of the year 2012” started from a spectacular prologue. Later on, the Russian Minister of sport Vitaly Mutko addressed volunteers and guests in a video message.

“Volunteers are people who are the first to meet guests, many things depend on their work. We have a lot to do since Russia is becoming the leader of the world sport. We will host Universiade 2013, winter Olympic Games in Sochi 2014, World Aquatics Championship, World Football Cup, FIFA Confederations Cup and other international events.

The Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov mentioned that 204 days were left before Universiade 2013. He informed as well that a joint session of the RF and RT Accounts Chambers on issues of checking expenditure of budgetary funds allocated for organization, preparation and holding of XXVII World Summer Universiade 2013 in Kazan had been held that day.

President of Tatarstan said that volunteers were participating in various events and Universiade gave impetus to development of major volunteer movement in republic and the whole country. He presented the diploma to new Universiade Ambassador, captain of Rubin football team Roman Sharonov.

The Olympic Champion and Universiade Ambassador Maria Kiseleva wished all volunteers to gain experience, make friends, and enjoy volunteer work.