27th World Summer Universiade 2013 opened in Kazan

On July 6 Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in official opening of the 27th World Summer Universiade 2013 in Kazan.

A striking ceremony started from the procession of actors representing different Russian peoples. Then, spectators welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin and FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien. The state flag of the Russian Federation was carried along the arena and it was raised above the stadium.

An impressive show and a parade of participants were presented on the stage afterwards. Going round the stadium to the music of various classical Russian composers, teams took their seats on the stalls.

Spectators could also see the Reflection 3D show demonstrating rich Russian culture, inventions of Russian science and technology. Fountains were gushing out, boats were floating on the stage, and acrobats were coming up to the top of the stadium. Spectators also took part in the performance showing their flashlights.

FISU flag was then brought to the stage and raised above the stadium to the student anthem “Gaudeamus”.

As the show was going on, the Olympic champion Aliya Mustafina took the oath on behalf of all sportsmen. Three-time Olympic champion Evgeny Sadovy, in his turn, took the oath on behalf of judges and officials.

Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed the audience with welcoming speech:

“On behalf of our hospitable Russia I’m glad to welcome you at the World Summer Universiade 2013 in Kazan. Kazan is one of the most beautiful and oldest cities of our huge multinational country. Best young sportsmen have gathered here today. You represent different countries and continents, and these days you are united by the World Summer Universiade that can be compared with summer Olympic Games by its scale. We did our best so that participants of this sports holiday feel themselves comfortable and achieve outstanding results. Of course, the best always win, but this atmosphere and Universiade spirit will stay in your hearts forever. You are all united by devotion to sport, its high ideals of competition and fellowship, the hope for success and victory. Your hearts are beating together and you are united by common feelings and ideas. I wish you to achieve new personal records. Let these seconds of competition and triumph be unforgettable. Good luck!”

Delivering his speech at the ceremony, FISU President Claude-Louis Gallien noted that the future of young generation has become a national priority in Russia. “All conditions have been provided for guests from all over the world in Kazan. Kazan is hosting the most enormous sport event of 2013, which gathered the largest amount of sportsmen from 5 continents. More than 14000 participants from 160 countries will live in Universiade Village and compete in 27 sports. We will enjoy two unforgettable weeks of competition and overall joy,” Claude-Louis Gallien said.

He continued that within the last 5 years Kazan has proved that it is the centre of Russian sport and can host major competitions. Claude-Louis Gallien invited Vladimir Putin to announce official opening of the Universiade.

Accompanied by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Vladimir Putin announced that the World Universiade was officially opened.

Torchbearers Nizhnekamsk hockey player Nail Yakupov, two-time World Volleyball Champion Ekaterina Gamova, four-time Paralympic Champion Irek Zaripov and Judo Olympic Champion Tagir Khaibulaev appeared on the stage. They stood around the Cauldron and lit the Flame.