Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in Moscow-Kazan video conference bridge “10 days before the Universiade”

On June 26 Moscow-Kazan video conference bridge “10 days before the Universiade” took place at RIA Novosti International Multimedia Press Center within the framework of the project “RIA Olympic meetings”.

Russia’s Minister of Sports Vitaly Mutko, FISU First Vice President Oleg Matytsin, Russia’s Deputy Minister of Sports Natalya Parshikova attended the event at RIA Novosti Press Center in Moscow.

Tatarstan President, Vice-Chairman of the organizing commission for 27th World Summer Universiade 2013 Rustam Minnikhanov attended the event in Kazan.

Vitaly Mutko said that all the preparation work for the Universiade had been completed and now the main goal is to host the Games at the highest level.

He reminded that during the Summer Games 351 medals would be awarded across 27 sports.

To the point, about 13,5 thousand people, including 10,5 thousand athletes from 162 counties will participate in the Summer Universiade.

Russia’s Minister of Sports also reminded that a visa-free entry for participants and athletes would be introduced for the first time in Kazan during the Universiade. He added that this experience would be later adopted for other international competitions.

Vitaly Mutko continued that by and large 30 venues were built at the expense of the federal budget.

Welcoming participants of the video bridge, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov said that a large amount of work had been fulfilled after Kazan was announced as the host city for the Summer Universiade in 2008. He also mentioned that last time Russia hosted the Universiade 40 years ago.

Rustam Minnikhanov continued that new roads, crossings as well as parkings in the city center were opened on the threshold of the Universiade.

He also stressed that Tatarstan put much emphasis on providing safety measures for athletes, participants and guests of the Universiade.

Answering journalists’ questions regarding assistance of the federal regions in preparation and holding the Games, Rustam Minnikhanov said that all regions understood the importance of the event for the whole Russia. Tatarstan President thanked heads of all regions for support and assistance.

Tatarstan President said that the 2013 Summer Universiade Opening/Closing Ceremonies are expected to be fascinating. The Opening Ceremony will be held at the Kazan-Arena Stadium. Rustam Minnikhanov also confirmed that this year the Tatar national holiday Sabantui would be celebrated during the Universiade.