Universiade 2013 presented at Russian State Duma

On March 12 the exhibition dedicated to XXVII World summer Universiade 2013 opened at the Russian State Duma (Moscow). First Deputy Chairman of State Duma Aleksandr Zhukov, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov participated in the event.

Three-time Olympic champion, Universiade Ambassador Maria Kiseleva opened the ceremony. She said that Universiade is a global project that will give impetus to development of student sport in the country.

First Deputy Chairman of State Duma Aleksandr Zhukov said that by number of participants it is the second important event after Olympic Games. “It is a great privilege for our country to host such competitions. Such events enable building infrastructure, best stadiums, airports, hotels. We would like to invite everyone to the exhibition. Here you will see that Universiade is a student sport, high performance sport and mass sport,” he continued.

President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov said that Universiade is a major federal project. “After 40 years Universiade is back in our country. For the first time summer Universiade was held in Moscow in 1973. I would like to thank Russian Government and State Duma for great support we received,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

According to Rustam Minnikhanov, preparatory works are being fulfilled according to the schedule.

President of Tatarstan also expressed gratitude to Russian Ministry of Sport, and all federal ministries and agencies which gave support during preparation for World student games.

The leader of Communist Party of the Russian Federation Gennady Zyuganov said: “Firstly, I would like to congratulate Tatarstan leadership. I should say that for many years we have been on friendly relations with republic. Celebrating 1000th anniversary they created new urban environment which absorbed our great history of people’s friendship, that atmosphere which favours excellent organization of sport competitions. I am glad that President of Tatarstan is a sportsman and he goes in for motor racing and team sports.”

The exhibition was divided into 6 stands. Information was available on touch screens and in presentations.

A session of interfactional deputy association “Universiade” with participation of members of State Duma Committee for physical culture, sport and youth affairs was held afterwards.