Russia welcomes WorldSkills flag

Today, 20 October 2017, the WorldSkills Flag arrived in Russia, the host nation of the next WorldSkills Competition that will be held in Kazan in 2019.

The Flag was delivered in the city of Sochi from Abu Dhabi (UAE), where it had been handed over to Russia, the future host nation, and Kazan, the future host city, during the Closing Ceremony of the 44th WorldSkills Competition.

The WorldSkills Flag arrived at the Sochi airport, escorted by four Flag Keepers. The Flag was delivered by Konstantin Larin, Team Russia’s gold medallist in the Web Design and Development skill and winner of the Best of Nation award. The latter trophy is handed to a competitor who gained the highest points and/or highest medal ranking among their national or regional team.

“I feel hugely proud that the 2019 WorldSkills Competition will be held in Russia!” said Konstantin. “The WorldSkills Movement encourages the entire world to start respecting skilled workers, masters of their craft! And it’s really awesome to be a master in your chosen skill! I truly believe that in two years the Russian national team will show high results and WorldSkills Kazan 2019 will be held at the highest possible level! Russia, welcome the WorldSkills Flag! Kazan, welcome WorldSkills Kazan 2019!”

The Flag was greeted by volunteers and participants of the 19th World Festival of Youth and Students, as well as by all those who had rooted for the Russian national team during the WorldSkills Competition in Abu Dhabi. The Flag will be staying at the WorldSkills Kazan 2019 themed area in Sochi’s Olympic Park, where the festival currently takes place. On 21 October, during the festival’s closing ceremony, celebrations dedicated to the Flag's arrival in Russia will be organized and the WorldSkills Flag Relay project will be launched.