Putin at Games Opening: The atmosphere, the spirit of the Universiade will forever remain with every one of you

The head of state greeted spectators at the Opening Ceremony of the Games: “On behalf of the Russian hospitality, I welcome you to the Summer Universiade in Kazan, isenmesez!”

“Kazan is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities of our vast and diverse nation. Successful young athletes have gathered here today. Friends, you are here representing different countries and continents. But during these days, you have been united by the Summer Universiade, whose scale can boldly rival that of the Olympic Games. We have done everything to make sure that the participants of this sporting celebration could feel at home here. So that your performances could be exemplary, while being able to handle the intensity of the competition and its fierce battles. Of course, victory will go to the strongest, but the atmosphere, the spirit of the Universiade will forever remain with every one of you,” emphasised Vladimir Putin.

President Putin addressed the athletes: “You are all united in your love of sport, your hope for success and victory. In these triumphant minutes, your hearts beat in unison as they are united through common feelings and goals. I wish for all of you to overcome yourselves, to attain new personal records. Let these seconds of battle and triumph be vivid and memorable. Let them remain with you for the rest of your lives, good luck!”

The President of FISU, Claude-Louis Gallien, gave his own welcome speech next. He stated that the 2013 Summer Universiade is being welcomed in a country striving for new heights, whose national ideas focus on the future of the young generation. “The Games are being held here, in Tatarstan, in a spectacular place that is a crossroads of cultures. Kazan has kindly opened its arms to welcome guests from all over the world. Kazan is welcoming the most grandiose sporting event of 2013, it has gathered the largest number of student athletes from 5 continents in the history of the event. Over 10,000 athletes will be competing in 27 sports at magnificent sporting venues. Two unforgettable weeks await us,” said Gallien.  

Vladimir Putin, inviting the President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and former head of the republic, State Counselor of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev on stage, proclaimed the World University Games in Kazan open.