Vladimir Putin: “We should make the last step towards Universiade”

At a session of the Council for the Development of Physical Culture and Sport President of Russia Vladimir Putin said that preparation for Universiade is underway in accordance with the schedule. President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, heads of federal ministries and agencies and sports federations participated in the session.

The session was held in new building of Universiade International information centre.
Opening the event, Vladimir Putin said he was satisfied with sports venues he had visited. He noted that 27 of 29 venues being built for competitions are already functioning. Some of them have unique features and will be able to host major international competitions.

According to Vladimir Putin, construction of Universiade objects will create educational and sports cluster in Kazan. Russian and international sport events will be held regularly and new generations of sportsmen will be fostered.

Vladimir Putin said: “In general, Universiade helped to renew sports base of Kazan higher educational institutions, raise the level of student sport and stir interest of young people in sport. Universiade is a holiday for the whole country. It is important so that as many students as possible can watch competitions and support our team. I would like you to put emphasis on this issue and settle all organizational problems.”

Russian President asked to pay special attention to selection of candidates for Russian team. He also offered to arrange visa-free entry for participants of major international competitions.

Vladimir Putin continued: “World universiades are as important as Olympic Games and World championships. It is the main sport student forum. It is a great privilege for any country to host such event. It is not just recognition of prestige by international community. Above all, such competitions bring long-term positive social and economic dividends, establish new living standards, promote physical culture and sport, give impetus to overall development of regions, and increase their attractiveness for life and work.”

President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov reported on process of preparation for Universiade. He emphasized that holding of World student games in Kazan became possible owing to Vladimir Putin’s support. According to Rustam Minnikhanov, preparation process is constantly controlled by Organising Committee headed by first Vice-premier Igor Shuvalov. 228 bln rubles have been allocated within the framework of preparation for Universiade since 2009.
64 new multi-purpose objects including 29 newly constructed sports venues and Universiade Village will be used during Universiade.

According to Rustam Minnikhanov, all construction and modernisation works are to be completed by May 15, 2013.

President of Tatarstan noted that a large amount of work was performed on developing transport infrastructure. The priority task is security assurance of Universiade. More than thirty thousand employees of enforcement bodies will be involved for these purposes. The problem connected with providing venues with technical security equipment was settled.

Partnership agreements have been signed with 18 companies under Universiade partnership program. Live broadcast of competitions in 23 sports will be provided at 16 venues.